I have a Afterbuild target in which I add some generated files to a project (.csproj). Now when the build completes Visual Studio says 'the project has been modified outside the environment' and asks whether I want to reload.
Is there to make it auto-reload (without using tools->options or environment->options) from msbuild?
Related
I have a project that imports a certain targets file from a Nuget package. Even though I use PackageReferences I am forced to import this file manually.
(See my other question for details - How are we supposed to execute package build targets in the new world where nuget packages are consumed through msbuild PackageReference?)
This targets file injects chromedriver.exe into the Content item group with CopyToOutputDirectory = PreserveNewest.
I observe a situation where chromedriver.exe is not copied to the bin folder when running msbuild /t:"Restore;Build", but it is copied when running the two targets separately - msbuild /t:Restore; msbuild /t:Build.
Can anyone explain how this happens?
(I killed a good portion of the day learning the difference on my skin, want to know how come?)
Restore changes the imported project files in the obj\ directory.
For this to take effect, the project file needs to be re-evaluated entirely, which does not happen when you run the Restore and Build targets in the same invocation.
Use the -restore command line switch for MSBuild to run a Restore before the other specified targets in the same command line call. MSBuild will run the Restore, empty its XML caches and re-evaluate the project again when running the requested build.
I am new to WiX and am trying to get my install project to build certain files to a subdirectory of the build output path. For example, if my build output path is: bin\Debug, I would like certain files to be added to a subfolder here: bin\Debug\Images.
Is this possible please?
It looks like you are using a WiX project template with Visual Studio, MSBuild and/or SharpDevelop. If so, you have several options:
Use XCOPY in the Post Build Event.
flexible
somewhat easy to find in your project (on one of the project designer tabs)
not integrated well with the build system
Add the folder and files to your project folder, include them in your project and set the Copy to Output Directory on each file. Note: you can't set that property on a folder. The copying will preserve the folder structure but you have set the property on each file you want copied.
inflexible
very easy to find in your project (solution explorer and properties window)
Open the project file in a text editor and add MSBuild tasks such as Copy to the AfterBuild or other target. Note: To use VS to edit the project file, right click, select Unload Project, then right click and select Edit.
flexible
hard to find in your project (XML in the project file)
uses the build system
In the last case, I sometimes put a REM comment in the Post Build event to clue people into the fact that the project file has been customized.
I am newbie to TFS.
I am trying to automate process of build upon checking in the code in TFS.
I setup a Controller and an Agent. I created a new build definition and set a "build" and "drop" folder on c:.
I check in the code, expecting to see the generated dll files in "drop" folders. There's none, just "logs" folder. The "binaries" folder in "build" folder is also empty. Apparently the binaries are not being generated at all. How can I have MSBuild to generate the dll files?
They are generated when I compile the website locally on my development machine under "bin\" folder. The solution is comprised of two separate projects: "core" and "web" where "core" is referenced within "web".
Any thoughts?
What is the Summary showing of your build that ran? Or are there errors in your build? You can check the log of the build by opening the build in Visual Studio and then click View Log.
Can I specify in csproj file that the exe being executed in prebuild events should be built before executing it?
You can do it through Visual Studio which will actually edit your .csproj file in fact.
Right click on the project and select Project Dependencies and select the project which you need to build before this project. Verify it by selecting the Build order tab.
I know that msbuild does not support VDPROJ files, but it maybe built using command line devenv.
I want to build all prjects (C#) using msbuild task and only after that starting specific setup project from my solution. Of course this projects has dependencies to previously created C# projects (otput from proj1, proj2, proj3).
How could I do it?
Override AfterCompile (or AfterBuild) task and add Exec command for devenv.exe to compile vdproj files. When you run devenv.exe /build /project you will only build the specified project within the specified solution. Only project files that have changed since the last build will be build. Therefore the dependant projects will not be build unless they have been changed.