Can the API be used in this matter?

Discussion about using the VirtualBox API, Tutorials, Samples.
Post Reply
jpippy
Posts: 9
Joined: 27. Feb 2013, 05:13

Can the API be used in this matter?

Post by jpippy »

With the api would I be able to create my own GUI for virtualbox to be able to access all of the same features without actually accessing the virtualbox manager? So if I created an application that used their API and not have to distribute it with all the other files such as Virtualbox manager QT files etc.

Or does the api only control the manager?

My plan is to recreate the virtualbox manager in .net and not have to depend on redistributing it with the virtualbox manager.
noteirak
Site Moderator
Posts: 5229
Joined: 13. Jan 2012, 11:14
Primary OS: Debian other
VBox Version: OSE Debian
Guest OSses: Debian, Win 2k8, Win 7
Contact:

Re: Can the API be used in this matter?

Post by noteirak »

Virtualbox is divided in 3 parts :
- The VBoxSVC daemon, who's actually responsible to perform all the tasks
- The API, who's the bridge between the daemon and any front-ends in any supported language
- Front-ends like the Virtualbox GUI, vboxmanage, VBoxSDL, etc.
So whatever you'll be doing, you'll be doing the 3rd part.

So if by Virtualbox Manager you mean anything in the 3rd part, then yes, you can have access to all the same features and not use QT files & others.

Finally, about .NET, AFAIK there is no native API for it. So you might have to bridge over C++, but I don't know how that works in .NET.
Hopefuly one of the Devs will pass by and have pointers for you.
Hyperbox - Virtual Infrastructure Manager - https://apps.kamax.lu/hyperbox/
Manage your VirtualBox infrastructure the free way!
jpippy
Posts: 9
Joined: 27. Feb 2013, 05:13

Re: Can the API be used in this matter?

Post by jpippy »

Thanks for the reply.

After diving in head first(which I should have done first) I found my answer. After loading vboxC.dll into Visual Studio was able to interface Vbox. I was able to find Virtualbox wrappers for .net aswell, to make the whole process easier with the Virtualbox TypeLibrary. Now I am pretty excited. I plan on creating a .net version of the manger so other .net developers can use the code to include it in their own projects.
noteirak
Site Moderator
Posts: 5229
Joined: 13. Jan 2012, 11:14
Primary OS: Debian other
VBox Version: OSE Debian
Guest OSses: Debian, Win 2k8, Win 7
Contact:

Re: Can the API be used in this matter?

Post by noteirak »

Glad to hear you made it work!
jpippy wrote:I was able to find Virtualbox wrappers for .net aswell
Where did you find them exactly?
Hyperbox - Virtual Infrastructure Manager - https://apps.kamax.lu/hyperbox/
Manage your VirtualBox infrastructure the free way!
jpippy
Posts: 9
Joined: 27. Feb 2013, 05:13

Re: Can the API be used in this matter?

Post by jpippy »

I actually found them within a project called "Pools of virtualboxes". It actually has alot of code in vb.net that already interfaces the API aswell. It includes Interop.Virtualbox.Dll and vbox_api.dll. I have already started using this, they did a very good job.

You can visit the project here: http://sourceforge.net/apps/trac/poolsofvirtualb/

I also found another COM interop for it here: http://code.google.com/p/virtualboxservice/
noteirak
Site Moderator
Posts: 5229
Joined: 13. Jan 2012, 11:14
Primary OS: Debian other
VBox Version: OSE Debian
Guest OSses: Debian, Win 2k8, Win 7
Contact:

Re: Can the API be used in this matter?

Post by noteirak »

Thank you
Hyperbox - Virtual Infrastructure Manager - https://apps.kamax.lu/hyperbox/
Manage your VirtualBox infrastructure the free way!
Post Reply