Is there a way to first create an empty file (.sln) and then add projects?

Question

Visual studio has always annoyed me because (as far as I know) you cannot create a solution first and then add new / existing projects to it. The only way I know how to create a solution is to create a project and give it the name of the solution.

So, is there a way to start with a clean solution (.sln) in visual studio (any version)?

Answer 1

Yes, How to create solutions and projects gives an overview.

From the article:

Creating Solutions To Create a New Solution

• From the File menu, select New , and then click Project .

• In the Project Types area, select Other project types and then select Visual Studio Solutions .

• In the Templates pane, select Blank Solution .

• Enter the name of the project.

• To change the location of the solution catalog, select Browse and specify a new location.

• Select Add to source control if you want to add the solution to the source database or repository.

• Click OK .

After creating an empty solution, you can add new or existing projects and elements to the empty solution using Add a new element or add an existing command element from the Project menu.

Answer 2

For Visual Studio 2013, it has changed a bit.
The search for "Installed Templates (Ctrl + E)" for "Void" also works.

To create an empty solution

• From the File menu, select New , and then click New Project .
• In the left pane, select Installed , select Other project types , and then select Visual Studio from the expanded list from the Solutions .
• In the middle pane, select Blank Solution .
• Set the Name and Location values ​​for your solution, then click OK .

http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/zfzh36t7.aspx