MSBuild - How do I use Visual Studio to create/edit a build script?

Question

I can't seem to find how to create an MSBuild script from within Visual Studio. Anyone know how? I'm using VS Professional.

Brian Kretzler · Accepted Answer · 2011-07-22 17:48:42Z

7

Start with this as a skeleton for your file,

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
<Project
   xmlns="http://schemas.microsoft.com/developer/msbuild/2003"
   ToolsVersion="4.0"
   DefaultTargets="Build">

   <Target Name="Build">
      <Message Text="Building..." />
   </Target>

</Project>

answered Jul 22, 2011 at 17:48

Brian Kretzler

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Comments

GraemeMuir · Accepted Answer · 2013-12-08 23:38:53Z

3

Make sure the file extension is .msbuild and not .xml this will enable the intellisense.

answered Dec 8, 2013 at 23:38

GraemeMuir

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1 Comment

Sudhanshu Mishra Over a year ago

To be accurate, adding the xmlns="schemas.microsoft.com/developer/msbuild/2003" to the project node is what enables intellisense

DaveE · Accepted Answer · 2011-07-22 15:52:08Z

2

I don't have any trouble (VS 2010 Premium). A standard MSBUILD file is an XML file, so opening it using File -> Open -> File should open it in the XML editor in VS. Then you can edit, add it to a project or whatever as you need.

I'm not sure if you need a certain edition for the Intellisense to work.

answered Jul 22, 2011 at 15:52

DaveE

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1 Comment

Rafael Gorski Over a year ago

There is no standard template for target files or build files. So you need to create a standard XML file.

Mrchief · Accepted Answer · 2011-07-22 17:49:47Z

2

You can also use this awesome tool: http://www.attrice.info/msbuild/

answered Jul 22, 2011 at 17:49

Mrchief

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Comments

sll · Accepted Answer · 2011-07-22 15:47:19Z

1

MSBuild itself is pretty straightforward so it is pretty simple to do it in any text/xml editor.

BTW, MSDN Walkthrough: Creating an MSBuild Project File from Scratch does not tell anything about Visual Studio and just provides tips how-to write script in editor.

answered Jul 22, 2011 at 15:47

sll

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