How to Use the Command 'msbuild' (with Examples)

Msbuild is the Microsoft build tool specifically designed for automating the process of building Visual Studio project solutions. It helps developers compile source code, package applications, create installers, run tests, and more, all within the structure of a Visual Studio project or solution file. The tool is robust and versatile, designed to suit complex build requirements with flexibility in mind. Below, we explore multiple use cases of the msbuild command to understand its capabilities better.

Use Case 1: Building the First Project File in the Current Directory

Code:

msbuild

Motivation:
Use this command when you are in a directory containing a project file (.csproj, .vbproj, etc.) and you want to compile it without specifying the project file’s exact name. This is a quick way to compile if there’s only one project file available.

Explanation:
When the msbuild command is run without additional arguments in a directory, it automatically searches for the first project or solution file and builds it. This is convenient if you’re working in a development environment with a singular project file present, streamlining your workflow.

Example Output:

Microsoft (R) Build Engine version 16.0.0+57002 for .NET Framework
Copyright (C) Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.

Build is starting...
Project "SampleProject.csproj" (default targets):
Restore completed in 520.1 ms for /SampleProject/SampleProject.csproj.
Build succeeded.
    0 Warning(s)
    0 Error(s)

Time Elapsed 00:00:02.53

Use Case 2: Building a Specific Project File

Code:

msbuild path/to/project_file.csproj

Motivation:
This use case is ideal when working with multiple projects in a directory, and you need to build a specific project. By specifying the path to the project file, you ensure that only this particular file gets built, reducing errors and saving time.

Explanation:
Here, msbuild is followed by the path to the specific project file you want to build. The path can be relative or absolute depending on your directory structure. This command gives precise control over which project is built, valuable when handling complex solutions containing multiple projects.

Example Output:

Microsoft (R) Build Engine version 16.0.0+57002 for .NET Framework
Copyright (C) Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.

Build is starting...
Project "SpecifiedProject.csproj" (default targets):
Restore completed in 340.5 ms for /ProjectPath/SpecifiedProject.csproj.
Build succeeded.
    0 Warning(s)
    0 Error(s)

Time Elapsed 00:00:01.50

Use Case 3: Specifying One or More Semicolon-Separated Targets to Build

Code:

msbuild path/to/project_file /target:Clean;Rebuild

Motivation:
In scenarios where you’re working with more complex build processes involving multiple steps or stages, specifying specific targets to build allows you to enact precise control over these processes. This ensures that only the necessary steps are executed, such as cleaning and rebuilding your project, effectively optimizing the build cycle.

Explanation:
The /target flag allows specification of custom build targets defined within the project file, separated by semicolons. In this example, Clean cleans prior build outputs, and Rebuild subsequently builds the project anew from scratch. This approach is useful when you want a detailed lifecycle of how the project evolves with each build step.

Example Output:

Microsoft (R) Build Engine version 16.0.0+57002 for .NET Framework
Copyright (C) Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.

Build is starting...
Project "AdvancedProject.csproj" (Clean;Rebuild target(s)):
  Cleaning...
  Clean complete
  Rebuilding...
  Restore complete
Build succeeded.
    0 Warning(s)
    0 Error(s)

Time Elapsed 00:00:04.20

Use Case 4: Specifying One or More Semicolon-Separated Properties

Code:

msbuild path/to/project_file /property:Configuration=Release;Platform=x64

Motivation:
This use case is particularly useful in environments where you need to build projects for different configurations and platforms. It enhances flexibility by providing a way to build the same codebase under different conditions, such as Debug or Release, and Any CPU or x64.

Explanation:
The /property flag lets you pass custom property values to the current build, influencing its outcome without modifying the project file itself. The properties specified here dictate the build configuration to Release and target platform to x64. Using such build customizations helps align with specific deployment or testing scenarios.

Example Output:

Microsoft (R) Build Engine version 16.0.0+57002 for .NET Framework
Copyright (C) Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.

Build is starting...
Project "ConfigurableProject.csproj" (Release|x64):
Configuration set to Release
Target Platform x64 detected
  Restore completed
Build succeeded.
    0 Warning(s)
    0 Error(s)

Time Elapsed 00:00:03.10

Use Case 5: Specifying the Build Tools Version to Use

Code:

msbuild path/to/project_file /toolsversion:16.0

Motivation:
Select this option when you need explicit control over which version of the tools is used to build your project, often required when working with legacy systems or features that are not supported by newer tool versions.

Explanation:
/toolsversion sets the version of MSBuild engine tools to be used when building the project. This ensures compatibility with the project requirements, which might dictate a specific version due to dependencies on certain tool behaviors or features available only in that version.

Example Output:

Microsoft (R) Build Engine version 16.0.0+57002 for .NET Framework
Using toolset version 16.0
Copyright (C) Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.

Build is starting...
Project "VersionControlledProject.csproj":
  Building with Tools Version 16.0
  Restore complete
Build succeeded.
    0 Warning(s)
    0 Error(s)

Time Elapsed 00:00:02.80

Use Case 6: Displaying Detailed Information About Project Configuration at the End of the Log

Code:

msbuild path/to/project_file /detailedsummary

Motivation:
When troubleshooting builds or analyzing build output details, use this option for insight into how the project is configured under the hood. This is indispensable for diagnostics when fine-tuning the build process or uncovering potential bottleneck sources.

Explanation:
The /detailedsummary argument provides comprehensive information regarding the build process, breaking down the project’s configuration in the build log. This helps developers and DevOps engineers understand each aspect of the project’s configuration after the build is completed.

Example Output:

Microsoft (R) Build Engine version 16.0.0+57002 for .NET Framework
Copyright (C) Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.

Build is starting...
Project "VerboseProject.csproj":
  Restore completed
Build succeeded.
    0 Warning(s)
    0 Error(s)

Detailed Summary:
  Project Targets Run: 5
  Conditions evaluated true: 32
  Properties set: 57
  Items evaluated: 98

Time Elapsed 00:00:04.00

Use Case 7: Displaying Help

Code:

msbuild /help

Motivation:
Usage of this command is fundamental for users who are new or less familiar with msbuild. It provides a handy display of options, commands, and parameters available, acting as a quick reference to the rich functionality msbuild offers.

Explanation:
The /help argument displays the help content for msbuild, detailing various commands and options, which is crucial for understanding how to operate the tool effectively and make use of its full range of features.

Example Output:

Microsoft (R) Build Engine version 16.0.0+57002 for .NET Framework
Copyright (C) Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.

Usage: MSBuild.exe [options] [ProjectFile] [HostApplication]...
Options:
  /noautoresponse   : Do not include any MSBuild.rsp files automatically.
/help or /?        : Display all available options.
...

Conclusion:

The msbuild command is a versatile and essential tool for Visual Studio users, enabling intricate command over build processes for various project types. Each use case outlined demonstrates how paths, targets, properties, tool versions, and settings can be manipulated to achieve precise build requirements. Together, these examples provide comprehensive insights for optimizing development and deployment workflows effectively.