Writing Code with Macros

[bpayne111]

Just about everytime i create a new class i use the same 3 regions, Declarations, Properties, and Methods. I tried creating a macro to do this for me by letting it record my keystrokes. It worked ok but sometimes it screwed up and put stuff where it wasn't supposed to be. I know you can write macros using code... So how would i make a marco to do these regions for me using code?

Thanks

Brandon

[Volte]

You could modify the file at:

 

C:\Program Files\Microsoft Visual Studio .NET\Vb7\VBWizards\Class\Templates\1033\Class.vb

 

which is the template for the New Class item, and change that. You can also add your own item templates, but it is a bit more work. There's probably some info in the MSDN about that.

[Nerseus]

You can also modify the template forms. There might be a way to add new templates, but I haven't looked.

 

Using C# as an example, I changed the following file:

C:\Program Files\Microsoft Visual Studio .NET 2003\VC#\VC#Wizards\CSharpAddWinFormWiz\Templates\1033\NewWinForm.cs

 

Whenever I add a new form it uses this as the file. It does some fancy replacing so don't modify it too much. I removed most of the built in comments and added some regions, much like you're asking for. Plus a few more using statement (Imports in VB) that I use all the time.

 

-Nerseus

[bpayne111]

wow that's really cool, that would be much better than a macro any day...thanks for the good (and fast) response

[Nerseus]

Forgot to mention, MAKE A COPY OF THAT FILE. You don't want to mess it up :)

 

-Nerseus

[bpayne111]

WOW that is cool i just did it... so will this work if i say add a button to a form and copy the code? i'd like to hear some more details of how you guys used this to your advantage

[Volte]

For something like that you should look into using Form Inheritance. It's sort of limited, but can be useful for making things like dialog boxes and such.

[bpayne111]

yea i know about inheritance but then i can't edit the controls the way i want... if i had just one exit button on a form at load that i could play with (size and etc..) then i'd be happy

[Volte]

That sounds like it would be quite feasible. In fact, I may look into this myself and write an article about it. I haven't written anything for Tutors Corner in awhile.

[bpayne111]

let me know if you do.. i'd like to read it.

thanks guys

(ohh and yes i saved a copy before i saw your message ;))