Before we start work with MSBuild we need to know, what is MSBuild?
When we need to use MSBuild? What MSBuild Does? How can I start with MSBuild?
Introduction
MSBuild is Engine looks for XML
file to execute. The XML file (Any file extension like proj, vcproj, sln, xml,
msbuild ). It’s not compulsory to have (.vcproj or. proj file) visual studio
file format. MSBuild is provided by Microsoft Visual studio but there is no dependency
with visual studio to execute it. Visual studio uses MSBuild to build project,
without Visual studio we can use MSBuild by using command or TFS. MSBuild load
and build managed projects. From MSBuild 4.0 Visual C++ is also supported now.
When we need to use MSBuild?
Initially
when build is done by visual studio it uses MSBuild but incase Continues integration
is happen in projects and build project through the visual studio is costly and
time expensive. Instead of using Visual studio build process is better to use
MSBuild to automate build.
What MSBuild Does?
MSBuild takes
XML file to Execute build process. XML contains Targets, Properties, Items and Tasks
which decide build execution and output. XML file which contains <Project>
node with list of <Target> nodes. MSBuild executions start with <Project>
node. Visual Studio projects have XML files like ( vcproj, proj ) which is used
by MSBuild.
How can I start with MSBuild?
1.Start with Simple program says
Hello
File: BuildAutomateDemo1.proj
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
<Project xmlns="http://schemas.microsoft.com/developer/msbuild/2003">
<Target Name="BuildAutomateStart">
<Message Text="Hello"/>
</Target>
</Project>
2.MSbuild with multiple targets
using command line
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
<Project xmlns="http://schemas.microsoft.com/developer/msbuild/2003">
<Target Name="BuildAutomateStart">
<Message Text="Hello"/>
</Target>
<Target Name="BuildAutomateEnd">
<Message Text="Bye Bye !"/>
</Target>
</Project>
Alternate way, using
DependsOnTargets
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
<Project xmlns="http://schemas.microsoft.com/developer/msbuild/2003" DefaultTargets="BuildAutomateEnd">
<Target Name="BuildAutomateStart" >
<Message Text="Hello"/>
</Target>
<Target Name="BuildAutomateEnd" DependsOnTargets="BuildAutomateStart">
<Message Text="Bye Bye !"/>
</Target>
</Project>
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