Skip to main content

Quick Start

Get started using C# Dev Tools with these simple steps.

Opening a Project​

  1. Open VS Code
  2. Select File > Open Folder and navigate to a folder containing your .NET solution
  3. Once opened, the Solution Explorer should automatically appear in the Activity Bar on the left
  4. If the Solution Explorer doesn't appear, click the C# icon in the Activity Bar

Interactive Walkthroughs​

C# Dev Tools includes interactive walkthroughs to help you learn its features:

  1. Press Alt+W to open the walkthroughs
  2. Alternatively, use the Command Palette (Ctrl+Shift+P) and type "C# Dev Tools: Open Extension Walkthroughs"
  3. Follow the step-by-step guides to learn about each feature

Your First .NET Solution​

If you're starting from scratch:

  1. Open the Solution Explorer
  2. Click the "Create New Solution" button in the Solution Explorer title bar
  3. Follow the prompts to create a new solution and project
  4. Your new solution will appear in the Solution Explorer

Adding Projects and Files​

To add a new project to your solution:

  1. Right-click on the solution in the Solution Explorer
  2. Select Add > New Project
  3. Choose the project template and configure the options
  4. Click Create

To add a new file:

  1. Right-click on a project or folder in the Solution Explorer
  2. Navigate to Add and select the appropriate file type
  3. Enter a name for the file
  4. The new file will be created and opened in the editor

Building and Running​

To build your solution:

  1. Right-click on the solution or project in the Solution Explorer
  2. Select Build

To run your application:

  1. Set a startup project by right-clicking on an executable project and selecting Set as Startup Project
  2. Press F5 to debug or Ctrl+F5 to run without debugging
  3. Alternatively, use the run/debug buttons in the editor title bar

Next Steps​

Now that you're familiar with the basics, explore these features: