Updating a DLL in the GAC

Question

I have an API DLL that several third party applications reference.

Some of these applications want things two ways in terms of updates. 1) I want the latest stuff 2) D

Answer 1

I use Windows Installer to deploy my assemblies to the GAC. From a servicing perspective it's important to understand the difference between:

[AssemblyVersion]

and

[AssemblyFileVersion]

The former is considered as part of the strong name contract / binding while the latter is not. Additionally the latter is considered by Windows Installer in terms of deciding to overwrite the file or not during an upgrade.

Botton line: If your changes to the assembly doesn't break interfaces or cause any behavior regressions, you can keep the AssemblyVersion the same and increment AssemblyFileVersion and redeploy.

This is how .NET Framework Service Packs work as Microsoft has to be able to service the base class libraries without breaking applications that have existing SN references.