
Enable IntelliSense for HTML and XML Documents #32
Chapter 4, Customizing Visual Studio
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HACK
HACK
#32
Enable IntelliSense for HTML and XML
Documents Hack #32
Eliminate errors in XML and HTML editing by adding IntelliSense support for
your configuration sections and controls.
Visual Studio provides developers with IntelliSense in code by interrogating
compiled objects or assemblies, but it is unable to provide the same assis-
tance when editing XML, HTML, or ASPX files. In this hack, you will learn
how to enable IntelliSense in these documents using an XML schema.
IntelliSense in HTML and XML documents relies on XML schema. ASP.
NET has schemas defined for the built-in types (DataGrid, TextBox, etc.),
but if you find yourself editing custom sections in application configuration
files or want to add IntelliSense to your custom controls, you can create your
own schema and reference it from your files. Visual Studio will then add the
elements you define in your schema to the default ones and provide you
with the same level of support you expect from the built-in controls.
Basic Structure of an IntelliSense Schema
The schema you need to create is composed of three basic sections: the
header, the names, and the types.
Figure 4-21. Import/Export Settings dialog with Reset selected