Microsoft Enhances C# Dev Kit for Visual Studio Code Extension
Microsoft has announced significant updates to its C# Dev Kit for Visual Studio Code extension. The enhancements aim to boost coding efficiency and productivity for developers working with Razor/Blazor, a popular framework for building web applications.
The improvements cover multiple areas, including Razor/Blazor Hot Reload, debugging, and testing. According to Wendy Breiding, Microsoft's senior manager for product management, the updates are designed to make C# development more productive and enjoyable.
Enhancements to Razor/Blazor
Microsoft has improved Razor/Blazor Hot Reload, a feature that allows developers to see changes in their code without rebuilding or restarting the application. This is particularly useful for rapid prototyping and testing.
The company has also addressed issues with IntelliSense, a tool that provides code completion and suggestions. Developers can now rely on go-to definition reliability and avoid erroneous errors appearing in the problems pane.
Debugging and Testing Improvements
Microsoft has enhanced debugging capabilities for Blazor web pages, allowing developers to identify and resolve issues more efficiently. Additionally, the company has improved local debugging of Azure Functions apps, making it easier to test and debug cloud-native code.
The updates also include fixes for testing issues, such as diffing and call stacks in test failures. A new diagnostic level has been added for testing, providing developers with more detailed information when things go wrong.
Additional Enhancements
- An update to Solution Explorer now features a Solution-free workspace mode, allowing developers without a solution file to work efficiently.
- Developers can convert any solution into a .NET Aspire solution by adding the necessary App Host and Service Defaults projects. This provides access to tools, templates, and packages for building observable, production-ready apps.
Boosting Productivity
The C# Dev Kit updates aim to make coding more efficient and enjoyable for developers. By addressing common pain points and providing enhanced debugging and testing tools, Microsoft is empowering developers to build high-quality applications faster and with greater ease.
The updated C# Dev Kit extension can be accessed from the Visual Studio Marketplace. Developers are encouraged to explore these enhancements and experience the benefits of improved coding efficiency for themselves.