New diagnostic and debugging functions in Visual Studio 2022 17.12
Microsoft improves debugging and code analysis in Visual Studio with newly visualized variable values and additional copilot functions.
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The new version 2022 17.12.1 of Microsoft's Visual Studio development environment offers a range of improved analysis and debugging functions. Many are linked to Copilot AI to simplify the day-to-day work of developers
According to Microsoft, one of the most frequently requested functions is the inline display of values that a function in the code will return with return. This display is now implemented and is highlighted in gray directly below the respective return expression. On mouseover, further information and the copilot icon appear. After clicking on it, the AI analyzes the printout in the side window and provides information on possible errors.
(Image: Microsoft)
Copilot now also supports the analysis of variable values in the Auto and Locals debugger windows. In addition to the preview of the variable value, the AI icon also appears here for further error analysis.
The AI assistant for the IEnumerable Visualizer tool has only been announced. However, this now offers IntelliSense with syntax highlighting of LINQ queries. Another new feature of the debugger is the import and export of breakpoint groups including their configurations for consistent breakpoint management across different parts of a project.
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The diagnostics tool now supports snapshots in order to compare memory states. For the comparison, developers must have taken two snapshots in the Memory tab. The tool then shows the differences by clicking on "View Diff". The Diagnostic window now visualizes histogram data.
(Image: Microsoft)
Not just debugging in Visual Studio 2022 17.12.
The debugging functions, which Microsoft describes in detail in a blog post, are only part of the new features in 2022 17.12. The version comes with .NET 9 and offers more AI integration than before, particularly in the debugging and fixing of code mentioned above. The UI makes it possible to start different configurations of the program, depending on the project. Users can also copy files between different instances of the program.
Other new features: Developers work with multiple GitHub accounts and create local repositories with Visual Studio. Commit messages from Copilot can be further specified individually. Under Linux, it is now possible to publish WebJobs on Azure. HTTP files know request variables with which responses are used in further requests. Finally, command line arguments in C++ can now be set directly in the toolbar.
The release notes provide a complete overview.
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