visual studio - MSBuild or NAnt script that generates C# files, adds them to a project and compiles the project -

i've written code generator app fluentmigrator api emits unknown number of c# class files. wish compile code generator, run emit c# classes add new c# files existing c# project , compile final solution.

what's best approach adding code generated c# files project?

given know post, there couple approaches.

you have api generate class files , want integrate build process make api call generate new class files, incorporate class files build.

if executable emits output files it's current working directory, use exec task run command in $(intermeidateoutputpath) not clutter project's source tree:

<exec command="myexe.exe " workingdirectory="$(intermediateoutputpath)\autogenclasses\" /> 

following command, append output classes default compile group:

<itemgroup>   <compile include="$(intermediateoutputpath)\autogenclasses\**\*.cs" /> </itemgroup> 

now you'd want control when occurs, you'd embed code separate <target /> , schedule occur before build occurs.

<target name="autogenclasses" beforetargets="compile">   <message text="starting autogenclasses task..." importance="high" />   <exec command="myexe.exe " workingdirectory="$(intermediateoutputpath)\autogenclasses\" />   <itemgroup>     <compile include="$(intermediateoutputpath)\autogenclasses\**\*.cs" />   </itemgroup>   <message text="... completed autogenclasses." importance="high" /> </target>