Identify is a simple, open-source .Net 4.5 .dll for retrieving unique identifying information from common file system objects, such as files and folders
Yes. Absolutely. However, sometimes it's just easier - and maybe more fun - to have this "stuff" written in C#. Really, one of the main motivations behind this project was to have this written in C# (see below for second motivation).
Much of the code for this solution is derived from Microsoft's Local File System documentation, specifically Directory Management and File Management. The solution takes advantage of the handles received as a result of the cheap FILE_CREATE function exposed by Microsoft. The process for retrieving a handle for a file on the file system is relatively straigtforward; however, for a directory it requires a bit more documentation digging (nothing too advanced).
There are a number of different approaches to grabbing unique file-identifying information from the file system on the interwebs; however; there is less information available on how to implement a solution for directories, themselves. The solution for grabbing unique directory-identifying information is more unique to this project and I wanted to share the approach in hopes of improving it.
This is meant to make inclusion in your project a bit simpler; however, you have access to the code. If grabbing the source is easier - or, if you want to use the source to expand upon - do it (and it probably makes more sense to do so). Eventually, I hope to expand this project to provide a more general, C#-based library for interacting with the file system.
That may really be the case. You may have a better approach than I do. If you have the time to make it better, please feel free to contribute changes. As I mentioned, above, you have access to the source. For a very high-level project road map, consult the project's Wiki. The wiki will, of course, evolve over the life of the project.
| Minimum Supported Client | Minimum Supported Server |
|---|---|
| Windows XP (desktop app.s only) | Windows Server 2003 (desktop app.s only) |