Deploying DXCore, CodeRush or community plug-ins using a VSIX extension

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A DXCore plug-in is usually represented by a single assembly. It might also include some additional data, for example, language dictionaries for the Spell Checker CodeRush plug-in and, probably, setting files, such as shortcuts. To install the plug-in, simply copy an assembly to the Community Plug-ins folder that looks like this in most cases:

%Documents%\DevExpress\IDE Tools\Community

where %Documents% is your Windows Documents folder.

The community plug-in path is configurable and can be seen on the IDE Tools Settings options page. If a plug-in contains additional files, there should be some instructions on how to install it and where to copy those additional files. Starting with  the 11.2 release, IDE Tools include a special VSIX DXCore plug-in project template that allows you to create a usual DXCore plug-in and deploy it through an Extension to the Visual Studio IDE:

Note that it is necessary to install the Visual Studio SDK to be able to create projects of this type.

Here’s a project structure inside the Solution Explorer:

An extension references all assemblies required by DXCore and exports the IVsixPluginExtension implementer (from the DevExpress.CodeRush.Common assembly):

Then, DXCore imports all implementers and uses their assemblies as a location to load additional plug-ins. The VSIX extension may contain multiple plug-in assemblies that will be automatically loaded by DXCore when found.

Once the plug-in is successfully compiled, you will notice a regular VSIX Extension file created inside the output folder of the plug-in solution:

If you execute it, you will see the standard Visual Studio Extension Installer dialog:

If you click Install, the installer will unpack the content of the plug-in to the following folder:

%AppData%\Microsoft\VisualStudio\10.0\Extensions

and show the result of an installation:

Once the plug-in is installed, you will see it inside the Visual Studio Extension Manager:

You can disable any plug-in extension or completely uninstall it inside the Extension Manager by clicking the corresponding buttons.

Similar Posts:

• How to install a particular DXCore plug-in
• IDE Tools options – Settings paths
• Troubleshooting the DXCore/CodeRush plug-in loading
• DXCore plug-in types and naming convention
• IDE Tools Startup options page