How to change the loading path of references in .NET?

Question

I want a setup like this:

+- /ApplicationFolder
  -- App.exe
  -- Core.dll
  -- AnotherShared.dll
  +- /PluginsFolder
    -- plugin1.dll
    -- plugin2.dll
<         


        

Answer 1

When you create an AppDomain you can define a path for loading assemblies. Set AppDomainSetup.PrivateBinPath and pass to AppDomain.Create domain.

Using an AppDomain is a good idea for plugins (allows different CAS and unloading).

To avoid VS/msbuild copying referenced assemblies to the output directory, change "Copy Local" to false in the properties of the reference.