Is there a way to use build variables in launchSettings.json?

Question

I am invoking NUnit console runner manually like this:

"MyRunConfig": {
  "commandName": "Executable",
  "executablePath": "nunit3-console.exe",
  "commandLineArgs": "MyProject\\bin\\Debug\\MyProject.dll"
}

Problem is, I have to make a separate run configuration for Release build, as the output location is different. How do I do that? Can I somehow use TargetPath build property?

Answer 1

I'm using VS 2019 16.10.4, and I use the $(OutDir) and $(ConfigurationName) macros in my launchSettings.json. So your config could look like:

"MyRunConfig": {
  "commandName": "Executable",
  "executablePath": "nunit3-console.exe",
  "commandLineArgs": "MyProject\\$(OutDir)MyProject.dll"
}

Or using $(TargetPath) it would be:

"MyRunConfig": {
  "commandName": "Executable",
  "executablePath": "nunit3-console.exe",
  "commandLineArgs": "$(TargetPath)"
}

You can use any of the Pre/Post-Build Macros. I typically go the "Edit Pre-build..." dialog (on the project properties "Build Events" page) and use its Macros button so I can see what they each resolve to.

I couldn't find this macro support documented anywhere by Microsoft, but it works for me in .NET 5.0 projects.

Answer 2

I just upgraded to the latest version of VS2022 v17.2.0. It does not work using macro in workingDirectory in launchsettings.json. When I launch debug in VS, it throws an error that says the macro variable is not available.