How to access the MSIL code of compiled .NET assemblies?

Question

VB.NET and C# (and other language) compilers generate MSIL code. How can I see that code?

What is there in that file? Where does that file reside and how can I access that?

Second question:

How do I compile a C# program from the cmd prompt and how do I check each and every file created using that compiler?

Answer 1

Managed DLLs and EXEs are in MSIL.

You can see the MSIL using ildasm.exe.

Answer 2

You'll need a decompiler, such as Telerik's JustDecompile (free). With it you can open any .NET executable or DLL and examine the generated MSIL (in the language of your choice).

http://www.telerik.com/products/decompiler.aspx

Answer 3

The Ildasm.exe tool is installed with the framework along with VS. You can find it in the <Program Files>\Microsoft SDKs folder.

It opens .EXE and .DLL files.