Harmony: Transforming .NET Runtime Code

Harmony: A brief introduction to the project

The Harmony project is an open-source repository on GitHub that aims to provide a comprehensive framework for runtime code modifications. Maintained by Andreas Pardeike, Harmony is an astonishing library with a clear objective: to allow developers to perform "patches," i.e., modify the functionality of other methods during runtime, notably in .NET environment.

This GitHub project offers a novel way of applying patches to methods. By letting developers alter and control precisely executable codes in the .NET applications, Harmony is significantly contributing to the runtime code transformation realm.

Project Overview:

The core essence of Harmony lies in patching, a robust mechanism to provide modifications on the runtime code. Harmony aims at addressing a critical need of developers: the necessity to alter other methods at runtime. The project targets .NET developers who need to make changes to C# methods at runtime, particularly those interested in creating mods for games and software.

Project Features:

Harmony is laden with innovative features that position it as a unique solution for developers. One of the key functionalities of Harmony is the application of prefix, postfix, and transpiler patches to existing methods. This feature allows developers a noteworthy flexibility to modify methods while the code is still executing.

Furthermore, Harmony achieves a great balance between power and safety by introducing automatic patching conflicts and systemizing multi-library setup to prevent any mismatches that may cause crashes. This feature ensures prevention against modifications from different libraries colliding.

Technology Stack:

Harmony utilizes the C# programming language and is primarily focused on .NET platform. The decision to choose this stack lays in its powerful functionalities for runtime manipulations. Harmony standardizes runtime patching into a practical API and builds onto C#'s inherent capabilities to provide a powerful tool for developers. Utilizing various .NET APIs such as Reflection, Harmony has been able to provide a framework enabling powerful runtime modifications.

Project Structure and Architecture:

Harmony follows a simple modular design, aligning with the principles of single responsibility and modularity. The project is divided into numerous significant sections: libraries for core operations, patching, utilities, testing, etc. This helps in segregating different aspects of the application while maintaining a clean and efficient codebase.

Contribution Guidelines: