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Hot reloading is a game-changer for developers, allowing you to see code changes instantly without the need for a full recompile and restart. This significantly speeds up your development workflow, especially for .NET projects.

Here’s a simple guide to enable hot reloading in Visual Studio Code for your .NET projects:

Prerequisites:

• C# Dev Kit Extension: Ensure you have the C# Dev Kit extension installed in VS Code. This extension provides essential tools for .NET development.

Enabling Hot Reloading:

1. Open Visual Studio Code Settings:
   • Navigate to Code > Preferences > Settings.
2. Find C# Dev Kit Settings:
   • In the search bar, type “C# Hot Reload”.
3. Enable Hot Reload:
   • Toggle the setting “Experimental: Enable C# Hot Reload while debugging” to On.

Using Hot Reload:

1. Start Debugging:
   • Initiate a debugging session as usual.
2. Make Code Changes:
   • While debugging, modify your code.
3. Observe Changes:
   • The changes should be reflected in your running application almost instantly.

Note:

• Experimental Feature: This feature is still experimental, and its behavior might vary across different project types and configurations.
• Supported Project Types: While it’s been tested successfully with Blazor, .NET MVC, and MAUI applications, compatibility may vary.

Potential Issues and Troubleshooting:

• Configuration Issues: Ensure your project is configured correctly for hot reloading. Check for any specific settings or requirements.
• Extension Version: Keep the C# Dev Kit extension updated to the latest version, as it might include bug fixes and performance improvements.
• Debugging Configuration: Verify your debugging configuration to ensure it’s compatible with hot reloading.
• Complex Scenarios: For more complex scenarios or specific project types, you might need to adjust settings or use additional tools.

By following these steps and keeping an eye on the experimental nature of the feature, you can significantly boost your .NET development productivity with hot reloading.

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