Appendix D. Distributing Code-Generation Solutions

The easiest way to distribute a code-generation solution—at least, easiest for developers who are installing your solution—is to distribute it as a VSI file. Just by double-clicking the VSI file, a developer can install one or more Visual Studio add-ins, project item templates, or toolbox controls.

A VSI file is a ZIP file (with its extension changed to .vsi) that contains the following items:

• A .vscontent file

• All items required by your add-in (its DLL and AddIn file plus any supporting files—e.g., Visual Studio template files and toolbox controls)

Unfortunately, there is no wizard or project template for creating a VSI file from within Visual Studio, so you’ll have to assemble it yourself. ...

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