Tried to use Mono... and failed.

[ArekBulski]

Since Jordan asked me, have I used Mono to develop .NET programs so far, I decided to give it a try. Here are my experiences, which could be summarized as wasted time.

I tried to run a very simple, new WinForm project using Mono. Succeded. But even look of a simple gray messagebox looks different. Notice that fonts are somewhat different, and MessageBox has no white area.
How to run a program using Mono: Guide:Running Mono Applications - Mono



I tried to bundle Mono with my program, to a standalone runner. Failed. Some unhandled exception got thrown. I won't spend time on figuring why. This is just pathetic...
How to bundle program with Mono: Guide:Running Mono Applications - Mono



If anyone have some insight how to make it working, or want to share his experiences with me, feel free to post your thoughts. I am looking forward to seeing some of them.

Regards,
Arek Bulski.

[Jordan]

I don't see much difference in the forms. The icon is really the only difference I see. I've never used Mono before but it looks like you are saying that it allows you to build the application statically vs the traditional dynamically shared library system?

Also, an app made in Windows using Mono can be compiled on Linux or no?

[ArekBulski]

it looks like you are saying that it allows you to build the application statically vs the traditional dynamically shared library system?

That is what the referenced Mono page is saying about Bundles. But WHYYYY it does not work with such a simple program? This is pathetic...

Also, an app made in Windows using Mono can be compiled on Linux or no?

It can possibly be compiled on Linux. But definately it can be ran on Linux, using Mono for Linux. But that is not my point at all... I want to make a bundle. Standalone program that launches my program without any .NET/Mono installed at all. Is this even possible? Mono page says yes...

Best regards,
Arek Bulski.

[ArekBulski]

An update. I have tried to use a Console project instead of WinForms one. Also compiled this console app using Mono, and then tried mkbundle. It fails either way.

My system is Windows Vista SP1 PL (polish localisation). Also Visual Studio 2008 C# Express Edition.