Convert Source Code to PDF C#

Managing and sharing source code can sometimes be tricky, especially when you need to present or archive it in a universally accepted format. Converting source code to PDF is a great way to ensure code readability, maintain formatting consistency, and preserve content across platforms. Whether you’re sharing Java or Python files for documentation or review, converting them into PDF format can greatly simplify collaboration and streamline the workflow. In this blog post, we will explore how to perform this task using C# and the powerful Conholdate.Total for .NET SDK, which provides a robust toolkit for document conversion and manipulation.

Why Convert Source Code to PDF?

  • Improved Readability: PDF preserves formatting, making the code easier to read when shared.

  • Platform Independence: PDF files can be opened on any device or OS without needing a code editor.

  • Version Control Documentation: Snapshots of source code in PDF help with record keeping and project audits.

  • Presentation Purposes: Useful for meetings, technical documentation, and training materials.

  • Secure Distribution: You can apply restrictions and watermarks to protect intellectual property.

Convert Source Code to PDF in C#

You have to configure Conholdate.Total for .NET to render the source files in .cs, .java, .py, etc. to the PDF format using the below NuGet installation command:

Install-Package Conholdate.Total

Convert Java Source Code to PDF in C#

If you’re working with Java source files and need to convert them to PDF for review or archiving, Conholdate.Total for .NET makes it remarkably simple. The following C# code snippet demonstrates how to convert a .java file into a well-formatted PDF document.

using (Viewer viewer = new Viewer("source.java"))
{
   PdfViewOptions viewOptions = new PdfViewOptions("source.pdf");
   viewer.View(viewOptions);
}

This code begins by initializing the Viewer class with the path to the Java source file. The PdfViewOptions is then used to specify the output PDF file name. By calling the View method, the SDK handles the rendering and conversion of the source code, ensuring that the structure, syntax highlighting, and indentation are preserved in the final PDF output. This method is particularly useful when you need to create printable or shareable versions of your Java code with minimal effort.

Convert Python Source Code to PDF in C#

Python files often require careful formatting and indentation for clarity and correctness. When converting these files to PDF, it is critical to maintain this visual structure. Using the Conholdate.Total for .NET SDK, you can convert Python .py files into PDF format with ease. Here’s how you can achieve this in C#:

using (Viewer viewer = new Viewer("source.py"))
{
   PdfViewOptions viewOptions = new PdfViewOptions("python-source.pdf");
   viewer.View(viewOptions);
}

This snippet creates an instance of the Viewer class with a Python file as input. It then uses PdfViewOptions to define the output filename. When the View method is called, it converts the code into a PDF file, maintaining the original formatting of the Python script. This is particularly helpful for developers who want to generate visual documentation or archive Python projects in a standardized format for future reference.

Conclusion

Converting source code files such as Java and Python to PDF in C# can streamline many development workflows, including documentation, sharing, and archiving. The Conholdate.Total for .NET SDK offers a simplified and efficient way to handle this conversion while preserving formatting and readability. By following the examples shared above, developers can quickly integrate source code to PDF conversion into their applications and processes. Whether for internal documentation or external distribution, this method ensures your code remains accessible, secure, and visually consistent across all platforms.

See Also