Prototyping a new tool

Submitted by Bevan on Fri, 27/05/2011 - 20:06

After having some problems at work dealing with inconsistencies between different projects in a visual studio solution, I thought there must be a better way to check that each project is consistent and configured in the way I require.

Taking the source code for NAntGraph as a basis, I now have a prototype for a new tool: VSGraph.

Here is a sample of its output:

Ideas that I have already for improving this tool include:

  • Removing transitive dependencies to reduce of the number of graph edges and simplify the graph.
  • Wildcard exclusion of selected assemblies (such is the System.* and Microsoft.*).
  • Colour coding of projects and assemblies.
  • Adding more details to each project and assembly node.

What do you think? What features would you seek in such a tool?