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File Templates & Quick File Creation

Create files quickly with intelligent templates and powerful features including JSON to C# conversion.

Overview​

C# Dev Tools provides a comprehensive file creation system:

Quick Start​

Basic File Creation​

The fastest way to create files:

  1. Select a folder or project in Solution Explorer
  2. Press Shift+F2
  3. Enter a filename (e.g., MyClass.cs)
  4. Press Enter

The file is created with appropriate template and namespace.

JSON to C# Conversion​

Convert JSON to C# classes on the fly:

  1. Press Shift+F2
  2. Enter JSON followed by a class name: 
    {"name":"John","age":30}Person.cs
  3. Press Enter

A complete C# class is generated from the JSON structure.

Multiple Files at Once​

Create multiple files in one operation:

  1. Press Shift+F2
  2. Enter comma-separated filenames: 
    IRepository.cs, Repository.cs, RepositoryTests.cs
  3. Press Enter

All three files are created instantly.

Key Features​

Smart Templates​

Templates automatically include:

  • Correct namespace based on project and folder
  • Appropriate using statements
  • Standard formatting and conventions
  • File-scoped or traditional namespaces (based on project settings)

Folder Creation​

Create folders by adding a trailing slash:

Models/User.cs

This creates a Models folder and User.cs inside it.

Complex Structures​

Create nested structures:

Features/Authentication/Services/AuthService.cs

All folders are created automatically.

File Template Types​

Available templates include:

  • C# Files: Class, Interface, Enum, Record, Struct
  • Web Files: Controller, Razor Page, Blazor Component
  • Test Files: xUnit, NUnit, MSTest test classes
  • Configuration: JSON, XML, YAML files
  • And more...

See Available Templates for the complete list.

Advanced Features​

Context-Aware Creation​

The extension understands context:

  • In test projects: Offers test templates
  • In web projects: Offers controller and page templates
  • In class libraries: Focuses on code templates

Namespace Intelligence​

Namespaces are determined by:

  1. Project root namespace
  2. Folder structure within project
  3. .NET naming conventions

No manual namespace adjustment needed!

Integration with Solution Explorer​

File templates integrate seamlessly:

  • Right-click any folder to add files
  • Files appear immediately in the tree
  • Solution is automatically updated
  • IntelliSense recognizes new files instantly