Did you know that .csproj and .vbproj files are really MSBuild files? More than build processes though, MSBuild is a full-featured automation language. It includes structured control flow, variables, refactorability, error handling, logging, and powerful extensibility. MSBuild can easily be integrated into your own enterprise processes and start adding value right away. Team Foundation Build further extends on MSBuild and adds robust integration with Team Foundation Server.

Working with MSBuild and Team Build project files, however, has been a manual process in a text editor. Even with IntelliSense and color coding in Visual Studio, it can be somewhat cumbersome to work with.

To help alleviate these issues, I have created a new project on CodePlex titled MSBuild Studio. My goal for MSBuild Studio is to create a managed package add-in for Visual Studio that contains graphical designers for working with MSBuild project files. Similar to the Windows Workflow Foundation designer, the MSBuild Studio designer will feature a drag-and-drop interface integrated seamlessly into Visual Studio and the toolbox, properties tool window, and more.

If this project sounds interesting to you, contact me to get involved. Specifically, I am looking for folks with experience in creating VSPackages and in using the IDesigner interface.