Visual Studio Hacks

Create a Macro #51

Chapter 6, Speed Hacks

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HACK

Dictionary.Remove(carID);

}

}

}

I am showing only the first class generated for brevity’s sake. As you might

imagine, the second class is exactly the same except for a different class

name. You can modify the XML file and add additional property sets, or you

can modify the template and the custom tool will always keep your code up-

to-date.

CodeSmith is an extremely valuable tool, and I encourage you to explore it

further. More information can be found at the home page for CodeSmith,

which is at http://www.ericjsmith.NET/codesmith.

HACK

#51

Create a Macro Hack #51

Learn how to create and run macros that automate mundane development

activities.

Creating a macro to help you with your daily tasks is an excellent way to

automate and improve repetitive operations. There are several ways to cre-

ate a macro: either recording your actions in the IDE or creating a macro

from scratch. After you have your macro built and tested, you can also cre-

ate a toolbar button that launches your macro or create a keyboard shortcut.

Recording Macros

The quickest way to automate simple macros is by recording your interac-

tions with the IDE. To activate the macro recorder, go to Tools

➝ Macros

➝ Record TemporaryMacro. This will start the macro recorder. From this

point until you stop the recording, your interactions with the IDE will cre-

ate code in the new macro. You can pause ...