Top Tips for Customizing VSPropertyGenerator OutputsVSPropertyGenerator is a productivity tool for C# developers that automates the creation of properties, reducing boilerplate and keeping code consistent. Customizing its outputs lets teams enforce coding standards, improve readability, and adapt generated code to different project architectures (e.g., MVVM, Domain Models, DTOs). Below are practical, actionable tips to get the most from VSPropertyGenerator.
1. Understand the Generator’s Template System
Before customizing, learn how VSPropertyGenerator structures its templates. Most generators use a configurable template or snippet system where placeholders (like property name, type, backing field, accessors) are replaced at generation time.
- Identify the available placeholders and their meanings.
- Find the default template to use as a baseline.
- Test small template edits to see immediate effects.
2. Standardize Accessor Patterns for Your Project
Different projects prefer different accessor styles (auto-properties, full properties with backing fields, expression-bodied members). Decide the standard per project and implement corresponding templates.
- Auto-properties for simple DTOs:
- Example: public int Age { get; set; }
- Full properties with validation or notification for MVVM:
- Example: with backing field and INotifyPropertyChanged invocation.
- Read-only or init-only patterns for immutable models:
- Example: public string Name { get; init; }
Tip: Create multiple templates (DTO, ViewModel, Domain) and select the appropriate one per context.
3. Integrate INotifyPropertyChanged and Change Notification
For UI layers using MVVM, property change notification is essential.
- Provide a template that inserts a backing field and raises PropertyChanged.
- Support both classic invocation and modern helper methods:
- Classic: OnPropertyChanged(nameof(Property))
- Helper: SetProperty(ref field, value, nameof(Property))
Consider generating code that works with popular base classes (e.g., Prism’s BindableBase, CommunityToolkit.Mvvm’s ObservableObject).
4. Enforce Coding Conventions: Naming, Accessibility, and Regions
Consistency matters. Use templates to enforce:
- Backing field naming (e.g., _field or m_field).
- Property naming (PascalCase) and private fields (camelCase).
- Accessibility levels (public, internal) according to your API design.
- Optional regions or comments for grouping generated properties.
Example rule set:
- Backing fields: _camelCase
- Properties: PascalCase
- DTOs: public auto-properties
- ViewModels: private backing field + protected setter when needed
5. Add XML Documentation and Attributes Automatically
Boost maintainability by generating XML docs and common attributes.
- Include XML summary tags using the property name and type.
- Automatically add attributes like [JsonPropertyName(“…”)], [DataMember], [Required], or custom validation attributes where applicable.
- Allow placeholders for developer notes or TODOs when uncertain.
6. Support Nullable Reference Types and Default Values
Modern C# uses nullable reference annotations and default initializers.
- Make templates nullable-aware: generate string? vs string based on context.
- Allow default value insertion for primitives or commonly used defaults.
- For required properties, include comments or attributes that indicate non-null expectations.
7. Offer Multiple Output Styles: Expression-bodied, Block, or Init-only
Different C# versions and team preferences call for different syntaxes.
- Expression-bodied properties for compactness:
- public int Count => _items.Count;
- Block-bodied for complex logic.
- Init-only for immutable builders:
- public string Title { get; init; }
Provide toggles in your generator config to pick the preferred style.
8. Create Context-Aware Templates Using Type Hints
Let the generator adapt based on the property type.
- For collections, generate defensive copies or read-only wrappers.
- For DateTime, optionally generate UTC conversion or default to DateTime.UtcNow.
- For enums, include default parsing comments or validation.
This reduces manual fixes after generation.
9. Make Templates Reusable and Shareable
Store templates in a version-controlled repo or as project-wide settings so teammates use identical standards.
- Use snippet inclusion or template inheritance if supported.
- Document each template’s purpose (DTO vs ViewModel vs Domain).
- Provide a short cheat sheet for teammates to choose templates.
10. Add Post-Generation Hooks or Code Fixers
Automate follow-up tasks after generation.
- Run Roslyn analyzers or code formatters to align style and detect issues.
- Invoke custom scripts to register properties in mapping profiles (AutoMapper) or update serialization settings.
- Offer quick actions to swap generated style (auto-property → full property) without regenerating.
11. Test Templates with Unit Tests or Example Projects
Treat templates like code: verify they produce compileable, correct output.
- Maintain a small test project that integrates generated outputs.
- Use unit tests to compile generated code and verify behaviors like PropertyChanged raising.
- Run generation in CI to ensure templates remain valid after tool updates.
12. Handle Edge Cases: Reserved Words, Conflicting Names, and Accessibility
Ensure templates include logic to avoid invalid identifiers.
- Suffix or prefix backing fields when property name conflicts occur.
- Respect existing members — optionally skip or warn if a property or field already exists.
- Generate different accessibility when necessary (internal set, private set).
13. Provide Migration Paths for Large Codebases
When changing templates across a big project:
- Introduce changes in stages: new templates for new code, and a codebase-wide refactor plan for legacy files.
- Use automated refactoring tools (Roslyn-based) to update existing properties safely.
- Keep a rollback plan if the new style causes issues.
14. Keep Performance and Readability Balanced
Avoid overly clever generated code. Prioritize clear, maintainable outputs even if slightly more verbose.
- Prefer explicitness for public APIs.
- Use concise forms in private/internal contexts where appropriate.
15. Solicit Team Feedback and Iterate
Templates are a team agreement. Regularly review and refine based on developer experience.
- Hold short reviews when adopting major style changes.
- Collect examples of pain points and adjust templates to reduce friction.
Horizontal customization of VSPropertyGenerator templates pays off in consistency, fewer manual edits, and faster onboarding for new developers. Start small, document choices, and automate checks so generated properties remain a reliable, maintainable part of your codebase.
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