How to manually compile a C # project?

Question

Just joined a new project that they are using VC # 2008 to create an application. Now there are several components and many files in one project. I was asked to set up the build to start the daily build. The first thing I was told to do was write a batch file to call csc.exe to create an executable file manually without installing VC # 2008.

I am new to C # and I have no idea about a solution. I know that old VC ++ can create a makefile for manual assembly. Does VC # 2008 have similar functionality? Any information and links would be appreciated.

Answer 1

The easiest way to manually create a Visual C # project is to use msbuild. You can transfer the VS project file directly to msbuild, and the result will be identical to VS compilation.

msbuild myApp.csproj 

Msbuild is part of the framework and, therefore, can be used without using Visual Studio on the machine.

Answer 2

Well, you can write a batch file ...

... or you can use MSBuild as suggested by others ...
... or - even better - something like Cruisecontrol.Net

Answer 3

MSBuild is pretty handy, but I found NAnt to be easier to use.

Answer 4

You should probably take a look at the MSBuild.exe file - run it from the command line to view the full parameters.