Adventures in .NET
Getting into Source Generators in .Net - .NET 210
Dec 17, 2024
Stefan Schranz, a software developer at TeamFior with expertise in .NET and React TypeScript, unpacks the fascinating world of source generators. He breaks down how they offer a powerful alternative to T4 templates and explains the setup process for beginners. Listeners will learn about key advantages, use cases, and the challenges of tooling and IDE integration. Stefan also shares his journey into development and his favorite Netflix shows, adding a personal touch to the tech talk!
30:55
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Quick takeaways
- Source Generators in .NET offer a powerful new way to automate code generation during the compilation process, replacing older methods like T4 templates.
- Although using Source Generators can greatly improve productivity by eliminating boilerplate code, developers must navigate limitations such as the .NET Standard 2.0 requirement.
Deep dives
Introduction to Source Code Generators
Source code generators are a new API introduced in .NET 5 and C# 9 that allows developers to hook into the compilation cycle of their projects. Unlike older methods like T4 templates, source generators can generate code during the compilation process without creating additional files in the directory. This means that at the time of compiling, the generator inspects the entire parse syntax tree and can create new source code that integrates seamlessly into the project. For example, a developer could use a source generator to create decorators for classes implementing a specific interface, automating repetitive coding tasks.
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