asked on

MsBuild: target parameters

Hello Experts,

how can I write a target such that it takes an input parameter. For example, lets say I have a target MyTarget that calls MyTask. I want to call MyTarget twice. Once with setting the Property MyTask.MyProperty = true and anohter time with MyTask.MyProperty = false. I don't want to have to write two tasks where I hardcode MyProperty.

is this possible?

_Katka_

Hi, check the example below.

Then you use it in your target like this:

<MyTask MyProperty="true">
</MyTask>

OR (obviously :)

<MyTask MyProperty="false">
</MyTask>

regards,
Kate

public class MyTask : Task
{
    private bool myProperty;
    
    public bool MyProperty
    {
        set { myProperty = value; }
    }
 
    public override bool Execute()
    {
        // your value used in code
        if (myProperty)
        {
            ...
        }
    }
}

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sfun28

ASKER

hi Kate,

I think there's a misunderstanding about my question. Let me provide an example of what i'm trying to accomplish.
I'm trying to reuse MyTarget, but provide a parameter value to MyTarget. In the example below, I only need to specify MyTarget once, then I can call it with MyProperty = true and MyProperty = false. Is this possible?

<Target Name="All" DependsOnTargets="$(AllDependsOn)">
</Target>

<PropertyGroup>
<AllDependsOn>
MyTarget (set MyProperty = false)
MyTarget (set MyProperty = true)
</AllDependsOn>
</PropertyGroup>

<MyTarget>
<MyTask MyProperty = [PARAMETER HERE] >
...
</MyTarget>

ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION

_Katka_

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sfun28

ASKER

and there's no easier way to do this? this seems a bit complex just to reuse a <Target>

_Katka_

Well, it doesn't sound that complicated to me anymore. :D

The task is being reused many times over so it payed itself (for us that is).

And you only put:

<MyTarget>
<MyTask MyProperty = "$(MySwitch)" />
</MyTarget>

Which isn't that crazy to follow.

Anyway I'm not aware (at this moment) of any other way, but then again, I'm not exactly a MsBuild guru.

regards,
Kate

sfun28

ASKER

i was hoping not to use environment vars.
anyways, thanks for helping!

_Katka_

You're welcome, I'm sorry but I honestly don't know any other solution to this problem. I'm working at a pretty big company, yet still nobody was able to come with better solution to this problem (local gurus included). I can give you only my confidence that this is the final solution of the huge international company. So you're not alone ;)

regards,
Kate