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Developing Source Generators in C#

C# Source Generators can analyze your code and generate new C# code while your project is compiling. This course will teach you how to build and use C# Source Generators in your .NET applications.

When building .NET applications, you often have to write repetitive code. Instead of manually writing that code, you can generate it with a C# Source Generator. In this course , Developing Source Generators in C#, you’ll learn how to use a C# Source Generator to analyze your code and to generate additional C# code while your project is compiling. First, you’ll explore what a C# Source Generator is and what problems it helps you to solve. Next, you will create a C# Source Generator. You will learn how to set it up, how to analyze the syntax of your code, how to generate a source file, and how to add that source file on the fly to the compilation. Finally, you’ll learn how to package the source generator in a NuGet package, so that you can use it in different .NET projects. When you're finished with this course, you’ll have the skills and knowledge of C# Source Generators needed to build and use C# Source Generators in your .NET projects.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Course Overview

Understanding C# Source Generators

Setting up a C# Source Generator

Generating Source Files

Working with the Syntax API

Adding a Marker Attribute

Using the Semantic Model

Packaging Your Source Generator

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Well-suited for .NET developers looking to automate repetitive coding tasks and enhance code generation capabilities

Guided by Thomas Claudius Huber, a recognized expert in C# Source Generators

Provides hands-on experience in building and using C# Source Generators, enhancing practical skills

Covers essential concepts such as syntax analysis, source file generation, and packaging, offering a comprehensive understanding of C# Source Generators

Course completion empowers learners to leverage C# Source Generators effectively in their .NET projects, fostering innovation and efficiency

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Developing Source Generators in C# with these activities:

Compile a Study Notebook

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Creating a study notebook will help you organize and review the materials covered in this course, improving your retention and understanding.

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Create a dedicated notebook or digital file for your notes.
Record key concepts, code snippets, and examples from the course.
Summarize the main takeaways from each lecture or lesson.
Add any additional notes or questions you have.

Join a Study Group for C# Source Generators

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Engaging with peers in a study group can provide valuable insights, support, and motivation.

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Find or form a study group with other students taking the course.
Set regular meeting times to discuss the course material.
Share notes, ideas, and questions with each other.

Explore Hands-on C# Source Generator Examples

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Working through hands-on examples will reinforce your understanding of how to apply Source Generators in practical scenarios.

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Find online tutorials or documentation that provide examples of C# Source Generators.
Step through the examples to see how they are implemented.
Experiment with modifying the examples to create your own Source Generators.

Four other activities

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Write a Small C# Program with a Source Generator

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Building a small program that utilizes a Source Generator will provide you with practical experience and a deeper understanding of the concepts.

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Design a simple scenario where a Source Generator can be used.
Create a new C# project.
Implement the Source Generator.
Integrate the Source Generator into your project.
Test and refine your program.

Create a Personalized C# Source Generator Library

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Building a personalized library will allow you to tailor Source Generators to your specific needs and deepen your understanding.

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Define the scope and functionality of your library.
Implement the Source Generators.
Package the library as a NuGet package.
Test and refine your library.

Assist Newcomers to C# Source Generators

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Helping others can reinforce your own understanding and identify areas where you can further improve.

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Join online forums or communities related to C# Source Generators.
Answer questions and provide guidance to others.

Contribute to Open-Source C# Source Generator Projects

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Participating in open-source projects provides hands-on experience, collaboration opportunities, and exposure to real-world use cases.

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Find open-source C# Source Generator projects that align with your interests.
Review the project documentation and codebase.
Identify areas where you can contribute.
Submit pull requests with your contributions.

Career center

Learners who complete Developing Source Generators in C# will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Software Engineer

A Software Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, testing, and maintaining software systems. They use their knowledge of programming languages and software engineering principles to create efficient and reliable software applications. This course on Developing Source Generators in C# can help aspiring Software Engineers build a foundation in writing their own custom C# Source Generators, which can automate repetitive tasks and improve software development efficiency.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Computer Programmer

Computer Programmers are responsible for writing and testing code that makes computers and software applications work. They use their knowledge of programming languages and software development principles to create and maintain software systems. This course on Developing Source Generators in C# can help Computer Programmers gain a deeper understanding of how C# source code is generated and how they can use C# Source Generators to automate repetitive tasks and improve software development efficiency.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Programmer

Software Architect

Software Architects are responsible for designing and overseeing the development of software systems. They use their knowledge of software engineering principles and best practices to create software systems that are efficient, reliable, and scalable. This course on Developing Source Generators in C# can help aspiring Software Architects gain a deeper understanding of how C# source code is generated and how they can use C# Source Generators to improve the design and development of software systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Architect

Systems Analyst

Systems Analysts are responsible for analyzing and designing software systems. They use their knowledge of business processes and software engineering principles to create software systems that meet the needs of users and organizations. This course on Developing Source Generators in C# can help Systems Analysts gain a deeper understanding of how C# source code is generated and how they can use C# Source Generators to automate repetitive tasks and improve the design and development of software systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Analyst

Quality Assurance Analyst

Quality Assurance Analysts are responsible for testing and evaluating software systems to ensure that they meet the requirements of users and organizations. They use their knowledge of software testing principles and techniques to find and fix bugs in software systems. This course on Developing Source Generators in C# can help Quality Assurance Analysts gain a deeper understanding of how C# source code is generated and how they can use C# Source Generators to automate repetitive tasks and improve the testing and evaluation of software systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quality Assurance Analyst

Data Scientist

Data Scientists are responsible for using data to solve business problems. They use their knowledge of statistics, machine learning, and data analysis techniques to extract insights from data and develop data-driven solutions. This course on Developing Source Generators in C# may be useful for Data Scientists who want to learn how to use C# Source Generators to automate repetitive tasks and improve the development of data analysis and machine learning pipelines.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Machine Learning Engineer

Machine Learning Engineers are responsible for designing, developing, and deploying machine learning models. They use their knowledge of machine learning algorithms and techniques to create models that can learn from data and make predictions. This course on Developing Source Generators in C# may be useful for Machine Learning Engineers who want to learn how to use C# Source Generators to automate repetitive tasks and improve the development and deployment of machine learning models.

See salaries and explore the career path for Machine Learning Engineer

Web Developer

Web Developers are responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining websites and web applications. They use their knowledge of web development technologies and principles to create websites and web applications that are user-friendly, efficient, and reliable. This course on Developing Source Generators in C# may be useful for Web Developers who want to learn how to use C# Source Generators to automate repetitive tasks and improve the development and maintenance of websites and web applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer

Database Administrator

Database Administrators are responsible for managing and maintaining databases. They use their knowledge of database management systems and principles to ensure that databases are available, reliable, and secure. This course on Developing Source Generators in C# may be useful for Database Administrators who want to learn how to use C# Source Generators to automate repetitive tasks and improve the management and maintenance of databases.

See salaries and explore the career path for Database Administrator

IT Manager

IT Managers are responsible for planning, implementing, and managing IT systems and services within an organization. They use their knowledge of IT management principles and best practices to ensure that IT systems and services meet the needs of the organization. This course on Developing Source Generators in C# may be useful for IT Managers who want to learn how to use C# Source Generators to automate repetitive tasks and improve the planning, implementation, and management of IT systems and services.

See salaries and explore the career path for IT Manager

Project Manager

Project Managers are responsible for planning, executing, and controlling projects. They use their knowledge of project management principles and best practices to ensure that projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards. This course on Developing Source Generators in C# may be useful for Project Managers who want to learn how to use C# Source Generators to automate repetitive tasks and improve the planning, execution, and control of projects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Business Analyst

Business Analysts are responsible for analyzing business processes and systems to identify opportunities for improvement. They use their knowledge of business analysis techniques and principles to develop recommendations for improving business processes and systems. This course on Developing Source Generators in C# may be useful for Business Analysts who want to learn how to use C# Source Generators to automate repetitive tasks and improve the analysis of business processes and systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Technical Writer

Technical Writers are responsible for creating and maintaining technical documentation. They use their knowledge of technical writing principles and best practices to create documentation that is clear, concise, and informative. This course on Developing Source Generators in C# may be useful for Technical Writers who want to learn how to use C# Source Generators to automate the generation of technical documentation.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer

Technical Support Specialist

Technical Support Specialists are responsible for providing technical support to users of software and hardware products. They use their knowledge of technical support principles and best practices to resolve technical issues and provide support to users. This course on Developing Source Generators in C# may be useful for Technical Support Specialists who want to learn how to use C# Source Generators to automate repetitive tasks and improve the provision of technical support to users.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Support Specialist

IT Auditor

The course on Developing Source Generators in C# may be useful for IT Auditors who want to learn how to use C# Source Generators to automate repetitive tasks and improve the auditing of IT systems and processes.

See salaries and explore the career path for IT Auditor

Reading list

We've selected 16 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Developing Source Generators in C#.