Enable just build in any cmd or powershell simply (not necessary in Developer Command Prompt for VS 2022) (#41475)
This pull request refactors and modernizes the PowerToys build scripts
to provide a more robust, platform-aware, and user-friendly local build
experience. The changes introduce shared PowerShell helpers, add clear
documentation, improve Visual Studio environment detection, and unify
build logic across scripts. The new approach enables easier builds from
any folder, better error reporting, and automatic platform detection for
x64/arm64.
**Build system modernization and shared helpers:**
* Added new shared helper script `build-common.ps1` containing reusable
functions for MSBuild invocation, Visual Studio environment
initialization, project discovery, and platform auto-detection. This
script is now dot-sourced by all build scripts for consistent behavior.
* Refactored `build-essentials.ps1` and `build-installer.ps1` to use the
shared helpers, enabling automatic Visual Studio dev environment setup
and platform detection. Both scripts now work from any folder inside the
repo and provide improved logging and error handling.
[[1]](diffhunk://#diff-946ed85e16779fdbcfeb7de80f631eae2da0f7bd478e27e22621121b409dde88L1-R73)
[[2]](diffhunk://#diff-21888769485d767c43c0895fe315e6f6d7384da62f60ef917d8a61a610da10b9L55-R77)
**Improved build workflow and error reporting:**
* All build scripts now write detailed logs (full, errors, warnings,
binlog) next to the solution/project being built, with troubleshooting
guidance documented in the new guidelines.
[[1]](diffhunk://#diff-43764921d6c830dbb3a15fe875aebfbc46966ae5ff62f3179adb3ff046b47b9dR1-R284)
[[2]](diffhunk://#diff-283bc775aac55085b6a0a47e40b3cf619fff47e20a2f5537fd6dd342d19d2afdR1-R48)
* Command-line wrappers (`build.cmd`, `build-essentials.cmd`) added for
easy invocation from `cmd.exe`, forwarding all arguments to the
PowerShell scripts.
[[1]](diffhunk://#diff-4bf353f2a88f1378983e4e2f3a5555e69b6a6ccfbe004001c1ebfe99ca57903dR1-R5)
[[2]](diffhunk://#diff-48b3da077cd89d8ed6befe57a781bea813e6f9594bfcefbc320b20dea589c5abR1-R6)
**Documentation and usage guidance:**
* Introduced `BUILD-GUIDELINES.md` with clear instructions, usage
examples, and troubleshooting tips for all build scripts, including
platform overrides and log locations.
**Installer pipeline improvements:**
* The installer build pipeline (`build-installer.ps1`) now uses shared
helpers for platform detection and Visual Studio initialization, and
passes unified build arguments to all MSBuild invocations, improving
consistency and maintainability.
[[1]](diffhunk://#diff-21888769485d767c43c0895fe315e6f6d7384da62f60ef917d8a61a610da10b9L83-L126)
[[2]](diffhunk://#diff-21888769485d767c43c0895fe315e6f6d7384da62f60ef917d8a61a610da10b9L137-R113)
[[3]](diffhunk://#diff-21888769485d767c43c0895fe315e6f6d7384da62f60ef917d8a61a610da10b9L151-R128)
[[4]](diffhunk://#diff-21888769485d767c43c0895fe315e6f6d7384da62f60ef917d8a61a610da10b9L162-R142)
---
**References:**
[[1]](diffhunk://#diff-43764921d6c830dbb3a15fe875aebfbc46966ae5ff62f3179adb3ff046b47b9dR1-R284)
[[2]](diffhunk://#diff-946ed85e16779fdbcfeb7de80f631eae2da0f7bd478e27e22621121b409dde88L1-R73)
[[3]](diffhunk://#diff-21888769485d767c43c0895fe315e6f6d7384da62f60ef917d8a61a610da10b9L55-R77)
[[4]](diffhunk://#diff-283bc775aac55085b6a0a47e40b3cf619fff47e20a2f5537fd6dd342d19d2afdR1-R48)
[[5]](diffhunk://#diff-4bf353f2a88f1378983e4e2f3a5555e69b6a6ccfbe004001c1ebfe99ca57903dR1-R5)
[[6]](diffhunk://#diff-48b3da077cd89d8ed6befe57a781bea813e6f9594bfcefbc320b20dea589c5abR1-R6)
[[7]](diffhunk://#diff-21888769485d767c43c0895fe315e6f6d7384da62f60ef917d8a61a610da10b9L83-L126)
[[8]](diffhunk://#diff-21888769485d767c43c0895fe315e6f6d7384da62f60ef917d8a61a610da10b9L137-R113)
[[9]](diffhunk://#diff-21888769485d767c43c0895fe315e6f6d7384da62f60ef917d8a61a610da10b9L151-R128)
[[10]](diffhunk://#diff-21888769485d767c43c0895fe315e6f6d7384da62f60ef917d8a61a610da10b9L162-R142)
2025-08-31 19:23:27 -07:00
# Build scripts –
Improve how to build the project in PowerToys easier (#41459)
This pull request refactors and standardizes the PowerToys build scripts
to improve maintainability, reusability, and platform detection. The
main changes are the introduction of a shared helper script
(`build-common.ps1`), migration of build logic in individual scripts to
use these helpers, and enhanced platform auto-detection. This makes the
build pipeline more robust and easier to use from any directory within
the repository.
As the result of our recent changes, use the following guidance when
working in the PowerToys repo:
1. Use `build-essentials.ps1` before any development in general
- Purpose: restore NuGet packages for the full solution and build a
small set of essential native projects (runner, settings). This is a
fast way to ensure native artifacts required for local development are
available.
2. Use `build.ps1` from any folder
- Purpose: lightweight local builder. It auto-discovers the target
platform (x64/arm64/x86) and builds projects it finds in the current
directory.
- Notes: you can pass additional MSBuild arguments positionally (e.g.
`./tools/build/build.ps1 '/p:CIBuild=true'`) — the script will forward
them to MSBuild.
- Use `-RestoreOnly` to only restore packages for local projects.
3. Use `build-installer.ps1` to create a local installer (use with
caution)
- Purpose: runs the full pipeline that restores, builds the full
solution, signs packages, and builds the installer (MSI/bootstrapper).
- Caution: this script performs cleaning (git clean) and installer
packaging steps that may remove untracked files under `installer/`.
Additional notes
- Shared helpers live in `build-common.ps1` and are used by the other
scripts (`RunMSBuild`, `RestoreThenBuild`, `BuildProjectsInDirectory`,
platform auto-detection).
**Shared build logic and helper functions:**
* Added new `tools/build/build-common.ps1` file containing reusable
PowerShell functions for MSBuild invocation, solution/project restore
and build, platform detection, and project discovery. All build scripts
now dot-source this file for shared functionality.
**Refactoring of build scripts to use shared helpers:**
* Updated `tools/build/build-essentials.ps1` to use `build-common.ps1`
helpers, including auto-detection of repository root and platform, and
simplified project build logic.
* Created new `tools/build/build.ps1` for quick local builds, using
shared helpers and supporting extra MSBuild arguments and platform
auto-detection.
* Refactored `tools/build/build-installer.ps1` to remove duplicate build
logic, use shared helpers, and support platform auto-detection and
argument forwarding.
[[1]](diffhunk://#diff-21888769485d767c43c0895fe315e6f6d7384da62f60ef917d8a61a610da10b9L55-R74)
[[2]](diffhunk://#diff-21888769485d767c43c0895fe315e6f6d7384da62f60ef917d8a61a610da10b9L83-L126)
**Improved platform detection and argument handling:**
* All scripts now auto-detect the target platform if not specified,
using the new `Get-DefaultPlatform` helper. This supports x64, arm64,
and x86 hosts.
[[1]](diffhunk://#diff-43764921d6c830dbb3a15fe875aebfbc46966ae5ff62f3179adb3ff046b47b9dR1-R166)
[[2]](diffhunk://#diff-946ed85e16779fdbcfeb7de80f631eae2da0f7bd478e27e22621121b409dde88L1-R70)
[[3]](diffhunk://#diff-7a444242b2a6d9c642341bd2ef45f51ba5698ad7827e5136e85eb483863967a7R1-R88)
[[4]](diffhunk://#diff-21888769485d767c43c0895fe315e6f6d7384da62f60ef917d8a61a610da10b9L55-R74)
**Consistent MSBuild invocation and logging:**
* MSBuild calls now consistently use shared helpers, centralized
logging, and support passing extra arguments such as `/p:CIBuild=true`
and custom solution/project paths.
[[1]](diffhunk://#diff-43764921d6c830dbb3a15fe875aebfbc46966ae5ff62f3179adb3ff046b47b9dR1-R166)
[[2]](diffhunk://#diff-21888769485d767c43c0895fe315e6f6d7384da62f60ef917d8a61a610da10b9L137-R110)
[[3]](diffhunk://#diff-21888769485d767c43c0895fe315e6f6d7384da62f60ef917d8a61a610da10b9L151-R125)
[[4]](diffhunk://#diff-21888769485d767c43c0895fe315e6f6d7384da62f60ef917d8a61a610da10b9L162-R139)
**Project and solution build improvements:**
* Build scripts now discover and build projects in preferred order
(.sln, .csproj, .vcxproj), and support restoring packages only if
requested.
[[1]](diffhunk://#diff-43764921d6c830dbb3a15fe875aebfbc46966ae5ff62f3179adb3ff046b47b9dR1-R166)
[[2]](diffhunk://#diff-7a444242b2a6d9c642341bd2ef45f51ba5698ad7827e5136e85eb483863967a7R1-R88)
Let me know if you need a walkthrough of the new helper functions or how
to use the updated build scripts!
2025-08-29 01:23:52 -07:00
Enable just build in any cmd or powershell simply (not necessary in Developer Command Prompt for VS 2022) (#41475)
This pull request refactors and modernizes the PowerToys build scripts
to provide a more robust, platform-aware, and user-friendly local build
experience. The changes introduce shared PowerShell helpers, add clear
documentation, improve Visual Studio environment detection, and unify
build logic across scripts. The new approach enables easier builds from
any folder, better error reporting, and automatic platform detection for
x64/arm64.
**Build system modernization and shared helpers:**
* Added new shared helper script `build-common.ps1` containing reusable
functions for MSBuild invocation, Visual Studio environment
initialization, project discovery, and platform auto-detection. This
script is now dot-sourced by all build scripts for consistent behavior.
* Refactored `build-essentials.ps1` and `build-installer.ps1` to use the
shared helpers, enabling automatic Visual Studio dev environment setup
and platform detection. Both scripts now work from any folder inside the
repo and provide improved logging and error handling.
[[1]](diffhunk://#diff-946ed85e16779fdbcfeb7de80f631eae2da0f7bd478e27e22621121b409dde88L1-R73)
[[2]](diffhunk://#diff-21888769485d767c43c0895fe315e6f6d7384da62f60ef917d8a61a610da10b9L55-R77)
**Improved build workflow and error reporting:**
* All build scripts now write detailed logs (full, errors, warnings,
binlog) next to the solution/project being built, with troubleshooting
guidance documented in the new guidelines.
[[1]](diffhunk://#diff-43764921d6c830dbb3a15fe875aebfbc46966ae5ff62f3179adb3ff046b47b9dR1-R284)
[[2]](diffhunk://#diff-283bc775aac55085b6a0a47e40b3cf619fff47e20a2f5537fd6dd342d19d2afdR1-R48)
* Command-line wrappers (`build.cmd`, `build-essentials.cmd`) added for
easy invocation from `cmd.exe`, forwarding all arguments to the
PowerShell scripts.
[[1]](diffhunk://#diff-4bf353f2a88f1378983e4e2f3a5555e69b6a6ccfbe004001c1ebfe99ca57903dR1-R5)
[[2]](diffhunk://#diff-48b3da077cd89d8ed6befe57a781bea813e6f9594bfcefbc320b20dea589c5abR1-R6)
**Documentation and usage guidance:**
* Introduced `BUILD-GUIDELINES.md` with clear instructions, usage
examples, and troubleshooting tips for all build scripts, including
platform overrides and log locations.
**Installer pipeline improvements:**
* The installer build pipeline (`build-installer.ps1`) now uses shared
helpers for platform detection and Visual Studio initialization, and
passes unified build arguments to all MSBuild invocations, improving
consistency and maintainability.
[[1]](diffhunk://#diff-21888769485d767c43c0895fe315e6f6d7384da62f60ef917d8a61a610da10b9L83-L126)
[[2]](diffhunk://#diff-21888769485d767c43c0895fe315e6f6d7384da62f60ef917d8a61a610da10b9L137-R113)
[[3]](diffhunk://#diff-21888769485d767c43c0895fe315e6f6d7384da62f60ef917d8a61a610da10b9L151-R128)
[[4]](diffhunk://#diff-21888769485d767c43c0895fe315e6f6d7384da62f60ef917d8a61a610da10b9L162-R142)
---
**References:**
[[1]](diffhunk://#diff-43764921d6c830dbb3a15fe875aebfbc46966ae5ff62f3179adb3ff046b47b9dR1-R284)
[[2]](diffhunk://#diff-946ed85e16779fdbcfeb7de80f631eae2da0f7bd478e27e22621121b409dde88L1-R73)
[[3]](diffhunk://#diff-21888769485d767c43c0895fe315e6f6d7384da62f60ef917d8a61a610da10b9L55-R77)
[[4]](diffhunk://#diff-283bc775aac55085b6a0a47e40b3cf619fff47e20a2f5537fd6dd342d19d2afdR1-R48)
[[5]](diffhunk://#diff-4bf353f2a88f1378983e4e2f3a5555e69b6a6ccfbe004001c1ebfe99ca57903dR1-R5)
[[6]](diffhunk://#diff-48b3da077cd89d8ed6befe57a781bea813e6f9594bfcefbc320b20dea589c5abR1-R6)
[[7]](diffhunk://#diff-21888769485d767c43c0895fe315e6f6d7384da62f60ef917d8a61a610da10b9L83-L126)
[[8]](diffhunk://#diff-21888769485d767c43c0895fe315e6f6d7384da62f60ef917d8a61a610da10b9L137-R113)
[[9]](diffhunk://#diff-21888769485d767c43c0895fe315e6f6d7384da62f60ef917d8a61a610da10b9L151-R128)
[[10]](diffhunk://#diff-21888769485d767c43c0895fe315e6f6d7384da62f60ef917d8a61a610da10b9L162-R142)
2025-08-31 19:23:27 -07:00
Use these scripts to build PowerToys locally. They auto-detect your platform (x64/arm64), initialize the Visual Studio developer environment, and write helpful logs on failure.
Improve how to build the project in PowerToys easier (#41459)
This pull request refactors and standardizes the PowerToys build scripts
to improve maintainability, reusability, and platform detection. The
main changes are the introduction of a shared helper script
(`build-common.ps1`), migration of build logic in individual scripts to
use these helpers, and enhanced platform auto-detection. This makes the
build pipeline more robust and easier to use from any directory within
the repository.
As the result of our recent changes, use the following guidance when
working in the PowerToys repo:
1. Use `build-essentials.ps1` before any development in general
- Purpose: restore NuGet packages for the full solution and build a
small set of essential native projects (runner, settings). This is a
fast way to ensure native artifacts required for local development are
available.
2. Use `build.ps1` from any folder
- Purpose: lightweight local builder. It auto-discovers the target
platform (x64/arm64/x86) and builds projects it finds in the current
directory.
- Notes: you can pass additional MSBuild arguments positionally (e.g.
`./tools/build/build.ps1 '/p:CIBuild=true'`) — the script will forward
them to MSBuild.
- Use `-RestoreOnly` to only restore packages for local projects.
3. Use `build-installer.ps1` to create a local installer (use with
caution)
- Purpose: runs the full pipeline that restores, builds the full
solution, signs packages, and builds the installer (MSI/bootstrapper).
- Caution: this script performs cleaning (git clean) and installer
packaging steps that may remove untracked files under `installer/`.
Additional notes
- Shared helpers live in `build-common.ps1` and are used by the other
scripts (`RunMSBuild`, `RestoreThenBuild`, `BuildProjectsInDirectory`,
platform auto-detection).
**Shared build logic and helper functions:**
* Added new `tools/build/build-common.ps1` file containing reusable
PowerShell functions for MSBuild invocation, solution/project restore
and build, platform detection, and project discovery. All build scripts
now dot-source this file for shared functionality.
**Refactoring of build scripts to use shared helpers:**
* Updated `tools/build/build-essentials.ps1` to use `build-common.ps1`
helpers, including auto-detection of repository root and platform, and
simplified project build logic.
* Created new `tools/build/build.ps1` for quick local builds, using
shared helpers and supporting extra MSBuild arguments and platform
auto-detection.
* Refactored `tools/build/build-installer.ps1` to remove duplicate build
logic, use shared helpers, and support platform auto-detection and
argument forwarding.
[[1]](diffhunk://#diff-21888769485d767c43c0895fe315e6f6d7384da62f60ef917d8a61a610da10b9L55-R74)
[[2]](diffhunk://#diff-21888769485d767c43c0895fe315e6f6d7384da62f60ef917d8a61a610da10b9L83-L126)
**Improved platform detection and argument handling:**
* All scripts now auto-detect the target platform if not specified,
using the new `Get-DefaultPlatform` helper. This supports x64, arm64,
and x86 hosts.
[[1]](diffhunk://#diff-43764921d6c830dbb3a15fe875aebfbc46966ae5ff62f3179adb3ff046b47b9dR1-R166)
[[2]](diffhunk://#diff-946ed85e16779fdbcfeb7de80f631eae2da0f7bd478e27e22621121b409dde88L1-R70)
[[3]](diffhunk://#diff-7a444242b2a6d9c642341bd2ef45f51ba5698ad7827e5136e85eb483863967a7R1-R88)
[[4]](diffhunk://#diff-21888769485d767c43c0895fe315e6f6d7384da62f60ef917d8a61a610da10b9L55-R74)
**Consistent MSBuild invocation and logging:**
* MSBuild calls now consistently use shared helpers, centralized
logging, and support passing extra arguments such as `/p:CIBuild=true`
and custom solution/project paths.
[[1]](diffhunk://#diff-43764921d6c830dbb3a15fe875aebfbc46966ae5ff62f3179adb3ff046b47b9dR1-R166)
[[2]](diffhunk://#diff-21888769485d767c43c0895fe315e6f6d7384da62f60ef917d8a61a610da10b9L137-R110)
[[3]](diffhunk://#diff-21888769485d767c43c0895fe315e6f6d7384da62f60ef917d8a61a610da10b9L151-R125)
[[4]](diffhunk://#diff-21888769485d767c43c0895fe315e6f6d7384da62f60ef917d8a61a610da10b9L162-R139)
**Project and solution build improvements:**
* Build scripts now discover and build projects in preferred order
(.sln, .csproj, .vcxproj), and support restoring packages only if
requested.
[[1]](diffhunk://#diff-43764921d6c830dbb3a15fe875aebfbc46966ae5ff62f3179adb3ff046b47b9dR1-R166)
[[2]](diffhunk://#diff-7a444242b2a6d9c642341bd2ef45f51ba5698ad7827e5136e85eb483863967a7R1-R88)
Let me know if you need a walkthrough of the new helper functions or how
to use the updated build scripts!
2025-08-29 01:23:52 -07:00
Enable just build in any cmd or powershell simply (not necessary in Developer Command Prompt for VS 2022) (#41475)
This pull request refactors and modernizes the PowerToys build scripts
to provide a more robust, platform-aware, and user-friendly local build
experience. The changes introduce shared PowerShell helpers, add clear
documentation, improve Visual Studio environment detection, and unify
build logic across scripts. The new approach enables easier builds from
any folder, better error reporting, and automatic platform detection for
x64/arm64.
**Build system modernization and shared helpers:**
* Added new shared helper script `build-common.ps1` containing reusable
functions for MSBuild invocation, Visual Studio environment
initialization, project discovery, and platform auto-detection. This
script is now dot-sourced by all build scripts for consistent behavior.
* Refactored `build-essentials.ps1` and `build-installer.ps1` to use the
shared helpers, enabling automatic Visual Studio dev environment setup
and platform detection. Both scripts now work from any folder inside the
repo and provide improved logging and error handling.
[[1]](diffhunk://#diff-946ed85e16779fdbcfeb7de80f631eae2da0f7bd478e27e22621121b409dde88L1-R73)
[[2]](diffhunk://#diff-21888769485d767c43c0895fe315e6f6d7384da62f60ef917d8a61a610da10b9L55-R77)
**Improved build workflow and error reporting:**
* All build scripts now write detailed logs (full, errors, warnings,
binlog) next to the solution/project being built, with troubleshooting
guidance documented in the new guidelines.
[[1]](diffhunk://#diff-43764921d6c830dbb3a15fe875aebfbc46966ae5ff62f3179adb3ff046b47b9dR1-R284)
[[2]](diffhunk://#diff-283bc775aac55085b6a0a47e40b3cf619fff47e20a2f5537fd6dd342d19d2afdR1-R48)
* Command-line wrappers (`build.cmd`, `build-essentials.cmd`) added for
easy invocation from `cmd.exe`, forwarding all arguments to the
PowerShell scripts.
[[1]](diffhunk://#diff-4bf353f2a88f1378983e4e2f3a5555e69b6a6ccfbe004001c1ebfe99ca57903dR1-R5)
[[2]](diffhunk://#diff-48b3da077cd89d8ed6befe57a781bea813e6f9594bfcefbc320b20dea589c5abR1-R6)
**Documentation and usage guidance:**
* Introduced `BUILD-GUIDELINES.md` with clear instructions, usage
examples, and troubleshooting tips for all build scripts, including
platform overrides and log locations.
**Installer pipeline improvements:**
* The installer build pipeline (`build-installer.ps1`) now uses shared
helpers for platform detection and Visual Studio initialization, and
passes unified build arguments to all MSBuild invocations, improving
consistency and maintainability.
[[1]](diffhunk://#diff-21888769485d767c43c0895fe315e6f6d7384da62f60ef917d8a61a610da10b9L83-L126)
[[2]](diffhunk://#diff-21888769485d767c43c0895fe315e6f6d7384da62f60ef917d8a61a610da10b9L137-R113)
[[3]](diffhunk://#diff-21888769485d767c43c0895fe315e6f6d7384da62f60ef917d8a61a610da10b9L151-R128)
[[4]](diffhunk://#diff-21888769485d767c43c0895fe315e6f6d7384da62f60ef917d8a61a610da10b9L162-R142)
---
**References:**
[[1]](diffhunk://#diff-43764921d6c830dbb3a15fe875aebfbc46966ae5ff62f3179adb3ff046b47b9dR1-R284)
[[2]](diffhunk://#diff-946ed85e16779fdbcfeb7de80f631eae2da0f7bd478e27e22621121b409dde88L1-R73)
[[3]](diffhunk://#diff-21888769485d767c43c0895fe315e6f6d7384da62f60ef917d8a61a610da10b9L55-R77)
[[4]](diffhunk://#diff-283bc775aac55085b6a0a47e40b3cf619fff47e20a2f5537fd6dd342d19d2afdR1-R48)
[[5]](diffhunk://#diff-4bf353f2a88f1378983e4e2f3a5555e69b6a6ccfbe004001c1ebfe99ca57903dR1-R5)
[[6]](diffhunk://#diff-48b3da077cd89d8ed6befe57a781bea813e6f9594bfcefbc320b20dea589c5abR1-R6)
[[7]](diffhunk://#diff-21888769485d767c43c0895fe315e6f6d7384da62f60ef917d8a61a610da10b9L83-L126)
[[8]](diffhunk://#diff-21888769485d767c43c0895fe315e6f6d7384da62f60ef917d8a61a610da10b9L137-R113)
[[9]](diffhunk://#diff-21888769485d767c43c0895fe315e6f6d7384da62f60ef917d8a61a610da10b9L151-R128)
[[10]](diffhunk://#diff-21888769485d767c43c0895fe315e6f6d7384da62f60ef917d8a61a610da10b9L162-R142)
2025-08-31 19:23:27 -07:00
## Quick start (from cmd.exe)
- Fast essentials (runner + settings) and NuGet restore first:
- `tools\build\build-essentials.cmd`
- Build projects in the current folder:
- `tools\build\build.cmd`
Improve how to build the project in PowerToys easier (#41459)
This pull request refactors and standardizes the PowerToys build scripts
to improve maintainability, reusability, and platform detection. The
main changes are the introduction of a shared helper script
(`build-common.ps1`), migration of build logic in individual scripts to
use these helpers, and enhanced platform auto-detection. This makes the
build pipeline more robust and easier to use from any directory within
the repository.
As the result of our recent changes, use the following guidance when
working in the PowerToys repo:
1. Use `build-essentials.ps1` before any development in general
- Purpose: restore NuGet packages for the full solution and build a
small set of essential native projects (runner, settings). This is a
fast way to ensure native artifacts required for local development are
available.
2. Use `build.ps1` from any folder
- Purpose: lightweight local builder. It auto-discovers the target
platform (x64/arm64/x86) and builds projects it finds in the current
directory.
- Notes: you can pass additional MSBuild arguments positionally (e.g.
`./tools/build/build.ps1 '/p:CIBuild=true'`) — the script will forward
them to MSBuild.
- Use `-RestoreOnly` to only restore packages for local projects.
3. Use `build-installer.ps1` to create a local installer (use with
caution)
- Purpose: runs the full pipeline that restores, builds the full
solution, signs packages, and builds the installer (MSI/bootstrapper).
- Caution: this script performs cleaning (git clean) and installer
packaging steps that may remove untracked files under `installer/`.
Additional notes
- Shared helpers live in `build-common.ps1` and are used by the other
scripts (`RunMSBuild`, `RestoreThenBuild`, `BuildProjectsInDirectory`,
platform auto-detection).
**Shared build logic and helper functions:**
* Added new `tools/build/build-common.ps1` file containing reusable
PowerShell functions for MSBuild invocation, solution/project restore
and build, platform detection, and project discovery. All build scripts
now dot-source this file for shared functionality.
**Refactoring of build scripts to use shared helpers:**
* Updated `tools/build/build-essentials.ps1` to use `build-common.ps1`
helpers, including auto-detection of repository root and platform, and
simplified project build logic.
* Created new `tools/build/build.ps1` for quick local builds, using
shared helpers and supporting extra MSBuild arguments and platform
auto-detection.
* Refactored `tools/build/build-installer.ps1` to remove duplicate build
logic, use shared helpers, and support platform auto-detection and
argument forwarding.
[[1]](diffhunk://#diff-21888769485d767c43c0895fe315e6f6d7384da62f60ef917d8a61a610da10b9L55-R74)
[[2]](diffhunk://#diff-21888769485d767c43c0895fe315e6f6d7384da62f60ef917d8a61a610da10b9L83-L126)
**Improved platform detection and argument handling:**
* All scripts now auto-detect the target platform if not specified,
using the new `Get-DefaultPlatform` helper. This supports x64, arm64,
and x86 hosts.
[[1]](diffhunk://#diff-43764921d6c830dbb3a15fe875aebfbc46966ae5ff62f3179adb3ff046b47b9dR1-R166)
[[2]](diffhunk://#diff-946ed85e16779fdbcfeb7de80f631eae2da0f7bd478e27e22621121b409dde88L1-R70)
[[3]](diffhunk://#diff-7a444242b2a6d9c642341bd2ef45f51ba5698ad7827e5136e85eb483863967a7R1-R88)
[[4]](diffhunk://#diff-21888769485d767c43c0895fe315e6f6d7384da62f60ef917d8a61a610da10b9L55-R74)
**Consistent MSBuild invocation and logging:**
* MSBuild calls now consistently use shared helpers, centralized
logging, and support passing extra arguments such as `/p:CIBuild=true`
and custom solution/project paths.
[[1]](diffhunk://#diff-43764921d6c830dbb3a15fe875aebfbc46966ae5ff62f3179adb3ff046b47b9dR1-R166)
[[2]](diffhunk://#diff-21888769485d767c43c0895fe315e6f6d7384da62f60ef917d8a61a610da10b9L137-R110)
[[3]](diffhunk://#diff-21888769485d767c43c0895fe315e6f6d7384da62f60ef917d8a61a610da10b9L151-R125)
[[4]](diffhunk://#diff-21888769485d767c43c0895fe315e6f6d7384da62f60ef917d8a61a610da10b9L162-R139)
**Project and solution build improvements:**
* Build scripts now discover and build projects in preferred order
(.sln, .csproj, .vcxproj), and support restoring packages only if
requested.
[[1]](diffhunk://#diff-43764921d6c830dbb3a15fe875aebfbc46966ae5ff62f3179adb3ff046b47b9dR1-R166)
[[2]](diffhunk://#diff-7a444242b2a6d9c642341bd2ef45f51ba5698ad7827e5136e85eb483863967a7R1-R88)
Let me know if you need a walkthrough of the new helper functions or how
to use the updated build scripts!
2025-08-29 01:23:52 -07:00
Enable just build in any cmd or powershell simply (not necessary in Developer Command Prompt for VS 2022) (#41475)
This pull request refactors and modernizes the PowerToys build scripts
to provide a more robust, platform-aware, and user-friendly local build
experience. The changes introduce shared PowerShell helpers, add clear
documentation, improve Visual Studio environment detection, and unify
build logic across scripts. The new approach enables easier builds from
any folder, better error reporting, and automatic platform detection for
x64/arm64.
**Build system modernization and shared helpers:**
* Added new shared helper script `build-common.ps1` containing reusable
functions for MSBuild invocation, Visual Studio environment
initialization, project discovery, and platform auto-detection. This
script is now dot-sourced by all build scripts for consistent behavior.
* Refactored `build-essentials.ps1` and `build-installer.ps1` to use the
shared helpers, enabling automatic Visual Studio dev environment setup
and platform detection. Both scripts now work from any folder inside the
repo and provide improved logging and error handling.
[[1]](diffhunk://#diff-946ed85e16779fdbcfeb7de80f631eae2da0f7bd478e27e22621121b409dde88L1-R73)
[[2]](diffhunk://#diff-21888769485d767c43c0895fe315e6f6d7384da62f60ef917d8a61a610da10b9L55-R77)
**Improved build workflow and error reporting:**
* All build scripts now write detailed logs (full, errors, warnings,
binlog) next to the solution/project being built, with troubleshooting
guidance documented in the new guidelines.
[[1]](diffhunk://#diff-43764921d6c830dbb3a15fe875aebfbc46966ae5ff62f3179adb3ff046b47b9dR1-R284)
[[2]](diffhunk://#diff-283bc775aac55085b6a0a47e40b3cf619fff47e20a2f5537fd6dd342d19d2afdR1-R48)
* Command-line wrappers (`build.cmd`, `build-essentials.cmd`) added for
easy invocation from `cmd.exe`, forwarding all arguments to the
PowerShell scripts.
[[1]](diffhunk://#diff-4bf353f2a88f1378983e4e2f3a5555e69b6a6ccfbe004001c1ebfe99ca57903dR1-R5)
[[2]](diffhunk://#diff-48b3da077cd89d8ed6befe57a781bea813e6f9594bfcefbc320b20dea589c5abR1-R6)
**Documentation and usage guidance:**
* Introduced `BUILD-GUIDELINES.md` with clear instructions, usage
examples, and troubleshooting tips for all build scripts, including
platform overrides and log locations.
**Installer pipeline improvements:**
* The installer build pipeline (`build-installer.ps1`) now uses shared
helpers for platform detection and Visual Studio initialization, and
passes unified build arguments to all MSBuild invocations, improving
consistency and maintainability.
[[1]](diffhunk://#diff-21888769485d767c43c0895fe315e6f6d7384da62f60ef917d8a61a610da10b9L83-L126)
[[2]](diffhunk://#diff-21888769485d767c43c0895fe315e6f6d7384da62f60ef917d8a61a610da10b9L137-R113)
[[3]](diffhunk://#diff-21888769485d767c43c0895fe315e6f6d7384da62f60ef917d8a61a610da10b9L151-R128)
[[4]](diffhunk://#diff-21888769485d767c43c0895fe315e6f6d7384da62f60ef917d8a61a610da10b9L162-R142)
---
**References:**
[[1]](diffhunk://#diff-43764921d6c830dbb3a15fe875aebfbc46966ae5ff62f3179adb3ff046b47b9dR1-R284)
[[2]](diffhunk://#diff-946ed85e16779fdbcfeb7de80f631eae2da0f7bd478e27e22621121b409dde88L1-R73)
[[3]](diffhunk://#diff-21888769485d767c43c0895fe315e6f6d7384da62f60ef917d8a61a610da10b9L55-R77)
[[4]](diffhunk://#diff-283bc775aac55085b6a0a47e40b3cf619fff47e20a2f5537fd6dd342d19d2afdR1-R48)
[[5]](diffhunk://#diff-4bf353f2a88f1378983e4e2f3a5555e69b6a6ccfbe004001c1ebfe99ca57903dR1-R5)
[[6]](diffhunk://#diff-48b3da077cd89d8ed6befe57a781bea813e6f9594bfcefbc320b20dea589c5abR1-R6)
[[7]](diffhunk://#diff-21888769485d767c43c0895fe315e6f6d7384da62f60ef917d8a61a610da10b9L83-L126)
[[8]](diffhunk://#diff-21888769485d767c43c0895fe315e6f6d7384da62f60ef917d8a61a610da10b9L137-R113)
[[9]](diffhunk://#diff-21888769485d767c43c0895fe315e6f6d7384da62f60ef917d8a61a610da10b9L151-R128)
[[10]](diffhunk://#diff-21888769485d767c43c0895fe315e6f6d7384da62f60ef917d8a61a610da10b9L162-R142)
2025-08-31 19:23:27 -07:00
Tip: Add `D:\PowerToys\tools\build` to your PATH to use the wrappers anywhere.
Improve how to build the project in PowerToys easier (#41459)
This pull request refactors and standardizes the PowerToys build scripts
to improve maintainability, reusability, and platform detection. The
main changes are the introduction of a shared helper script
(`build-common.ps1`), migration of build logic in individual scripts to
use these helpers, and enhanced platform auto-detection. This makes the
build pipeline more robust and easier to use from any directory within
the repository.
As the result of our recent changes, use the following guidance when
working in the PowerToys repo:
1. Use `build-essentials.ps1` before any development in general
- Purpose: restore NuGet packages for the full solution and build a
small set of essential native projects (runner, settings). This is a
fast way to ensure native artifacts required for local development are
available.
2. Use `build.ps1` from any folder
- Purpose: lightweight local builder. It auto-discovers the target
platform (x64/arm64/x86) and builds projects it finds in the current
directory.
- Notes: you can pass additional MSBuild arguments positionally (e.g.
`./tools/build/build.ps1 '/p:CIBuild=true'`) — the script will forward
them to MSBuild.
- Use `-RestoreOnly` to only restore packages for local projects.
3. Use `build-installer.ps1` to create a local installer (use with
caution)
- Purpose: runs the full pipeline that restores, builds the full
solution, signs packages, and builds the installer (MSI/bootstrapper).
- Caution: this script performs cleaning (git clean) and installer
packaging steps that may remove untracked files under `installer/`.
Additional notes
- Shared helpers live in `build-common.ps1` and are used by the other
scripts (`RunMSBuild`, `RestoreThenBuild`, `BuildProjectsInDirectory`,
platform auto-detection).
**Shared build logic and helper functions:**
* Added new `tools/build/build-common.ps1` file containing reusable
PowerShell functions for MSBuild invocation, solution/project restore
and build, platform detection, and project discovery. All build scripts
now dot-source this file for shared functionality.
**Refactoring of build scripts to use shared helpers:**
* Updated `tools/build/build-essentials.ps1` to use `build-common.ps1`
helpers, including auto-detection of repository root and platform, and
simplified project build logic.
* Created new `tools/build/build.ps1` for quick local builds, using
shared helpers and supporting extra MSBuild arguments and platform
auto-detection.
* Refactored `tools/build/build-installer.ps1` to remove duplicate build
logic, use shared helpers, and support platform auto-detection and
argument forwarding.
[[1]](diffhunk://#diff-21888769485d767c43c0895fe315e6f6d7384da62f60ef917d8a61a610da10b9L55-R74)
[[2]](diffhunk://#diff-21888769485d767c43c0895fe315e6f6d7384da62f60ef917d8a61a610da10b9L83-L126)
**Improved platform detection and argument handling:**
* All scripts now auto-detect the target platform if not specified,
using the new `Get-DefaultPlatform` helper. This supports x64, arm64,
and x86 hosts.
[[1]](diffhunk://#diff-43764921d6c830dbb3a15fe875aebfbc46966ae5ff62f3179adb3ff046b47b9dR1-R166)
[[2]](diffhunk://#diff-946ed85e16779fdbcfeb7de80f631eae2da0f7bd478e27e22621121b409dde88L1-R70)
[[3]](diffhunk://#diff-7a444242b2a6d9c642341bd2ef45f51ba5698ad7827e5136e85eb483863967a7R1-R88)
[[4]](diffhunk://#diff-21888769485d767c43c0895fe315e6f6d7384da62f60ef917d8a61a610da10b9L55-R74)
**Consistent MSBuild invocation and logging:**
* MSBuild calls now consistently use shared helpers, centralized
logging, and support passing extra arguments such as `/p:CIBuild=true`
and custom solution/project paths.
[[1]](diffhunk://#diff-43764921d6c830dbb3a15fe875aebfbc46966ae5ff62f3179adb3ff046b47b9dR1-R166)
[[2]](diffhunk://#diff-21888769485d767c43c0895fe315e6f6d7384da62f60ef917d8a61a610da10b9L137-R110)
[[3]](diffhunk://#diff-21888769485d767c43c0895fe315e6f6d7384da62f60ef917d8a61a610da10b9L151-R125)
[[4]](diffhunk://#diff-21888769485d767c43c0895fe315e6f6d7384da62f60ef917d8a61a610da10b9L162-R139)
**Project and solution build improvements:**
* Build scripts now discover and build projects in preferred order
(.sln, .csproj, .vcxproj), and support restoring packages only if
requested.
[[1]](diffhunk://#diff-43764921d6c830dbb3a15fe875aebfbc46966ae5ff62f3179adb3ff046b47b9dR1-R166)
[[2]](diffhunk://#diff-7a444242b2a6d9c642341bd2ef45f51ba5698ad7827e5136e85eb483863967a7R1-R88)
Let me know if you need a walkthrough of the new helper functions or how
to use the updated build scripts!
2025-08-29 01:23:52 -07:00
Enable just build in any cmd or powershell simply (not necessary in Developer Command Prompt for VS 2022) (#41475)
This pull request refactors and modernizes the PowerToys build scripts
to provide a more robust, platform-aware, and user-friendly local build
experience. The changes introduce shared PowerShell helpers, add clear
documentation, improve Visual Studio environment detection, and unify
build logic across scripts. The new approach enables easier builds from
any folder, better error reporting, and automatic platform detection for
x64/arm64.
**Build system modernization and shared helpers:**
* Added new shared helper script `build-common.ps1` containing reusable
functions for MSBuild invocation, Visual Studio environment
initialization, project discovery, and platform auto-detection. This
script is now dot-sourced by all build scripts for consistent behavior.
* Refactored `build-essentials.ps1` and `build-installer.ps1` to use the
shared helpers, enabling automatic Visual Studio dev environment setup
and platform detection. Both scripts now work from any folder inside the
repo and provide improved logging and error handling.
[[1]](diffhunk://#diff-946ed85e16779fdbcfeb7de80f631eae2da0f7bd478e27e22621121b409dde88L1-R73)
[[2]](diffhunk://#diff-21888769485d767c43c0895fe315e6f6d7384da62f60ef917d8a61a610da10b9L55-R77)
**Improved build workflow and error reporting:**
* All build scripts now write detailed logs (full, errors, warnings,
binlog) next to the solution/project being built, with troubleshooting
guidance documented in the new guidelines.
[[1]](diffhunk://#diff-43764921d6c830dbb3a15fe875aebfbc46966ae5ff62f3179adb3ff046b47b9dR1-R284)
[[2]](diffhunk://#diff-283bc775aac55085b6a0a47e40b3cf619fff47e20a2f5537fd6dd342d19d2afdR1-R48)
* Command-line wrappers (`build.cmd`, `build-essentials.cmd`) added for
easy invocation from `cmd.exe`, forwarding all arguments to the
PowerShell scripts.
[[1]](diffhunk://#diff-4bf353f2a88f1378983e4e2f3a5555e69b6a6ccfbe004001c1ebfe99ca57903dR1-R5)
[[2]](diffhunk://#diff-48b3da077cd89d8ed6befe57a781bea813e6f9594bfcefbc320b20dea589c5abR1-R6)
**Documentation and usage guidance:**
* Introduced `BUILD-GUIDELINES.md` with clear instructions, usage
examples, and troubleshooting tips for all build scripts, including
platform overrides and log locations.
**Installer pipeline improvements:**
* The installer build pipeline (`build-installer.ps1`) now uses shared
helpers for platform detection and Visual Studio initialization, and
passes unified build arguments to all MSBuild invocations, improving
consistency and maintainability.
[[1]](diffhunk://#diff-21888769485d767c43c0895fe315e6f6d7384da62f60ef917d8a61a610da10b9L83-L126)
[[2]](diffhunk://#diff-21888769485d767c43c0895fe315e6f6d7384da62f60ef917d8a61a610da10b9L137-R113)
[[3]](diffhunk://#diff-21888769485d767c43c0895fe315e6f6d7384da62f60ef917d8a61a610da10b9L151-R128)
[[4]](diffhunk://#diff-21888769485d767c43c0895fe315e6f6d7384da62f60ef917d8a61a610da10b9L162-R142)
---
**References:**
[[1]](diffhunk://#diff-43764921d6c830dbb3a15fe875aebfbc46966ae5ff62f3179adb3ff046b47b9dR1-R284)
[[2]](diffhunk://#diff-946ed85e16779fdbcfeb7de80f631eae2da0f7bd478e27e22621121b409dde88L1-R73)
[[3]](diffhunk://#diff-21888769485d767c43c0895fe315e6f6d7384da62f60ef917d8a61a610da10b9L55-R77)
[[4]](diffhunk://#diff-283bc775aac55085b6a0a47e40b3cf619fff47e20a2f5537fd6dd342d19d2afdR1-R48)
[[5]](diffhunk://#diff-4bf353f2a88f1378983e4e2f3a5555e69b6a6ccfbe004001c1ebfe99ca57903dR1-R5)
[[6]](diffhunk://#diff-48b3da077cd89d8ed6befe57a781bea813e6f9594bfcefbc320b20dea589c5abR1-R6)
[[7]](diffhunk://#diff-21888769485d767c43c0895fe315e6f6d7384da62f60ef917d8a61a610da10b9L83-L126)
[[8]](diffhunk://#diff-21888769485d767c43c0895fe315e6f6d7384da62f60ef917d8a61a610da10b9L137-R113)
[[9]](diffhunk://#diff-21888769485d767c43c0895fe315e6f6d7384da62f60ef917d8a61a610da10b9L151-R128)
[[10]](diffhunk://#diff-21888769485d767c43c0895fe315e6f6d7384da62f60ef917d8a61a610da10b9L162-R142)
2025-08-31 19:23:27 -07:00
## When to use which
1) `build-essentials.ps1`
2025-12-03 03:59:46 -06:00
- Restores NuGet for `PowerToys.slnx` and builds essentials (runner, settings).
Enable just build in any cmd or powershell simply (not necessary in Developer Command Prompt for VS 2022) (#41475)
This pull request refactors and modernizes the PowerToys build scripts
to provide a more robust, platform-aware, and user-friendly local build
experience. The changes introduce shared PowerShell helpers, add clear
documentation, improve Visual Studio environment detection, and unify
build logic across scripts. The new approach enables easier builds from
any folder, better error reporting, and automatic platform detection for
x64/arm64.
**Build system modernization and shared helpers:**
* Added new shared helper script `build-common.ps1` containing reusable
functions for MSBuild invocation, Visual Studio environment
initialization, project discovery, and platform auto-detection. This
script is now dot-sourced by all build scripts for consistent behavior.
* Refactored `build-essentials.ps1` and `build-installer.ps1` to use the
shared helpers, enabling automatic Visual Studio dev environment setup
and platform detection. Both scripts now work from any folder inside the
repo and provide improved logging and error handling.
[[1]](diffhunk://#diff-946ed85e16779fdbcfeb7de80f631eae2da0f7bd478e27e22621121b409dde88L1-R73)
[[2]](diffhunk://#diff-21888769485d767c43c0895fe315e6f6d7384da62f60ef917d8a61a610da10b9L55-R77)
**Improved build workflow and error reporting:**
* All build scripts now write detailed logs (full, errors, warnings,
binlog) next to the solution/project being built, with troubleshooting
guidance documented in the new guidelines.
[[1]](diffhunk://#diff-43764921d6c830dbb3a15fe875aebfbc46966ae5ff62f3179adb3ff046b47b9dR1-R284)
[[2]](diffhunk://#diff-283bc775aac55085b6a0a47e40b3cf619fff47e20a2f5537fd6dd342d19d2afdR1-R48)
* Command-line wrappers (`build.cmd`, `build-essentials.cmd`) added for
easy invocation from `cmd.exe`, forwarding all arguments to the
PowerShell scripts.
[[1]](diffhunk://#diff-4bf353f2a88f1378983e4e2f3a5555e69b6a6ccfbe004001c1ebfe99ca57903dR1-R5)
[[2]](diffhunk://#diff-48b3da077cd89d8ed6befe57a781bea813e6f9594bfcefbc320b20dea589c5abR1-R6)
**Documentation and usage guidance:**
* Introduced `BUILD-GUIDELINES.md` with clear instructions, usage
examples, and troubleshooting tips for all build scripts, including
platform overrides and log locations.
**Installer pipeline improvements:**
* The installer build pipeline (`build-installer.ps1`) now uses shared
helpers for platform detection and Visual Studio initialization, and
passes unified build arguments to all MSBuild invocations, improving
consistency and maintainability.
[[1]](diffhunk://#diff-21888769485d767c43c0895fe315e6f6d7384da62f60ef917d8a61a610da10b9L83-L126)
[[2]](diffhunk://#diff-21888769485d767c43c0895fe315e6f6d7384da62f60ef917d8a61a610da10b9L137-R113)
[[3]](diffhunk://#diff-21888769485d767c43c0895fe315e6f6d7384da62f60ef917d8a61a610da10b9L151-R128)
[[4]](diffhunk://#diff-21888769485d767c43c0895fe315e6f6d7384da62f60ef917d8a61a610da10b9L162-R142)
---
**References:**
[[1]](diffhunk://#diff-43764921d6c830dbb3a15fe875aebfbc46966ae5ff62f3179adb3ff046b47b9dR1-R284)
[[2]](diffhunk://#diff-946ed85e16779fdbcfeb7de80f631eae2da0f7bd478e27e22621121b409dde88L1-R73)
[[3]](diffhunk://#diff-21888769485d767c43c0895fe315e6f6d7384da62f60ef917d8a61a610da10b9L55-R77)
[[4]](diffhunk://#diff-283bc775aac55085b6a0a47e40b3cf619fff47e20a2f5537fd6dd342d19d2afdR1-R48)
[[5]](diffhunk://#diff-4bf353f2a88f1378983e4e2f3a5555e69b6a6ccfbe004001c1ebfe99ca57903dR1-R5)
[[6]](diffhunk://#diff-48b3da077cd89d8ed6befe57a781bea813e6f9594bfcefbc320b20dea589c5abR1-R6)
[[7]](diffhunk://#diff-21888769485d767c43c0895fe315e6f6d7384da62f60ef917d8a61a610da10b9L83-L126)
[[8]](diffhunk://#diff-21888769485d767c43c0895fe315e6f6d7384da62f60ef917d8a61a610da10b9L137-R113)
[[9]](diffhunk://#diff-21888769485d767c43c0895fe315e6f6d7384da62f60ef917d8a61a610da10b9L151-R128)
[[10]](diffhunk://#diff-21888769485d767c43c0895fe315e6f6d7384da62f60ef917d8a61a610da10b9L162-R142)
2025-08-31 19:23:27 -07:00
- Auto-detects Platform; initializes VS Dev environment automatically.
- Example (PowerShell):
- `./tools/build/build-essentials.ps1`
- `./tools/build/build-essentials.ps1 -Platform arm64 -Configuration Release`
Improve how to build the project in PowerToys easier (#41459)
This pull request refactors and standardizes the PowerToys build scripts
to improve maintainability, reusability, and platform detection. The
main changes are the introduction of a shared helper script
(`build-common.ps1`), migration of build logic in individual scripts to
use these helpers, and enhanced platform auto-detection. This makes the
build pipeline more robust and easier to use from any directory within
the repository.
As the result of our recent changes, use the following guidance when
working in the PowerToys repo:
1. Use `build-essentials.ps1` before any development in general
- Purpose: restore NuGet packages for the full solution and build a
small set of essential native projects (runner, settings). This is a
fast way to ensure native artifacts required for local development are
available.
2. Use `build.ps1` from any folder
- Purpose: lightweight local builder. It auto-discovers the target
platform (x64/arm64/x86) and builds projects it finds in the current
directory.
- Notes: you can pass additional MSBuild arguments positionally (e.g.
`./tools/build/build.ps1 '/p:CIBuild=true'`) — the script will forward
them to MSBuild.
- Use `-RestoreOnly` to only restore packages for local projects.
3. Use `build-installer.ps1` to create a local installer (use with
caution)
- Purpose: runs the full pipeline that restores, builds the full
solution, signs packages, and builds the installer (MSI/bootstrapper).
- Caution: this script performs cleaning (git clean) and installer
packaging steps that may remove untracked files under `installer/`.
Additional notes
- Shared helpers live in `build-common.ps1` and are used by the other
scripts (`RunMSBuild`, `RestoreThenBuild`, `BuildProjectsInDirectory`,
platform auto-detection).
**Shared build logic and helper functions:**
* Added new `tools/build/build-common.ps1` file containing reusable
PowerShell functions for MSBuild invocation, solution/project restore
and build, platform detection, and project discovery. All build scripts
now dot-source this file for shared functionality.
**Refactoring of build scripts to use shared helpers:**
* Updated `tools/build/build-essentials.ps1` to use `build-common.ps1`
helpers, including auto-detection of repository root and platform, and
simplified project build logic.
* Created new `tools/build/build.ps1` for quick local builds, using
shared helpers and supporting extra MSBuild arguments and platform
auto-detection.
* Refactored `tools/build/build-installer.ps1` to remove duplicate build
logic, use shared helpers, and support platform auto-detection and
argument forwarding.
[[1]](diffhunk://#diff-21888769485d767c43c0895fe315e6f6d7384da62f60ef917d8a61a610da10b9L55-R74)
[[2]](diffhunk://#diff-21888769485d767c43c0895fe315e6f6d7384da62f60ef917d8a61a610da10b9L83-L126)
**Improved platform detection and argument handling:**
* All scripts now auto-detect the target platform if not specified,
using the new `Get-DefaultPlatform` helper. This supports x64, arm64,
and x86 hosts.
[[1]](diffhunk://#diff-43764921d6c830dbb3a15fe875aebfbc46966ae5ff62f3179adb3ff046b47b9dR1-R166)
[[2]](diffhunk://#diff-946ed85e16779fdbcfeb7de80f631eae2da0f7bd478e27e22621121b409dde88L1-R70)
[[3]](diffhunk://#diff-7a444242b2a6d9c642341bd2ef45f51ba5698ad7827e5136e85eb483863967a7R1-R88)
[[4]](diffhunk://#diff-21888769485d767c43c0895fe315e6f6d7384da62f60ef917d8a61a610da10b9L55-R74)
**Consistent MSBuild invocation and logging:**
* MSBuild calls now consistently use shared helpers, centralized
logging, and support passing extra arguments such as `/p:CIBuild=true`
and custom solution/project paths.
[[1]](diffhunk://#diff-43764921d6c830dbb3a15fe875aebfbc46966ae5ff62f3179adb3ff046b47b9dR1-R166)
[[2]](diffhunk://#diff-21888769485d767c43c0895fe315e6f6d7384da62f60ef917d8a61a610da10b9L137-R110)
[[3]](diffhunk://#diff-21888769485d767c43c0895fe315e6f6d7384da62f60ef917d8a61a610da10b9L151-R125)
[[4]](diffhunk://#diff-21888769485d767c43c0895fe315e6f6d7384da62f60ef917d8a61a610da10b9L162-R139)
**Project and solution build improvements:**
* Build scripts now discover and build projects in preferred order
(.sln, .csproj, .vcxproj), and support restoring packages only if
requested.
[[1]](diffhunk://#diff-43764921d6c830dbb3a15fe875aebfbc46966ae5ff62f3179adb3ff046b47b9dR1-R166)
[[2]](diffhunk://#diff-7a444242b2a6d9c642341bd2ef45f51ba5698ad7827e5136e85eb483863967a7R1-R88)
Let me know if you need a walkthrough of the new helper functions or how
to use the updated build scripts!
2025-08-29 01:23:52 -07:00
Enable just build in any cmd or powershell simply (not necessary in Developer Command Prompt for VS 2022) (#41475)
This pull request refactors and modernizes the PowerToys build scripts
to provide a more robust, platform-aware, and user-friendly local build
experience. The changes introduce shared PowerShell helpers, add clear
documentation, improve Visual Studio environment detection, and unify
build logic across scripts. The new approach enables easier builds from
any folder, better error reporting, and automatic platform detection for
x64/arm64.
**Build system modernization and shared helpers:**
* Added new shared helper script `build-common.ps1` containing reusable
functions for MSBuild invocation, Visual Studio environment
initialization, project discovery, and platform auto-detection. This
script is now dot-sourced by all build scripts for consistent behavior.
* Refactored `build-essentials.ps1` and `build-installer.ps1` to use the
shared helpers, enabling automatic Visual Studio dev environment setup
and platform detection. Both scripts now work from any folder inside the
repo and provide improved logging and error handling.
[[1]](diffhunk://#diff-946ed85e16779fdbcfeb7de80f631eae2da0f7bd478e27e22621121b409dde88L1-R73)
[[2]](diffhunk://#diff-21888769485d767c43c0895fe315e6f6d7384da62f60ef917d8a61a610da10b9L55-R77)
**Improved build workflow and error reporting:**
* All build scripts now write detailed logs (full, errors, warnings,
binlog) next to the solution/project being built, with troubleshooting
guidance documented in the new guidelines.
[[1]](diffhunk://#diff-43764921d6c830dbb3a15fe875aebfbc46966ae5ff62f3179adb3ff046b47b9dR1-R284)
[[2]](diffhunk://#diff-283bc775aac55085b6a0a47e40b3cf619fff47e20a2f5537fd6dd342d19d2afdR1-R48)
* Command-line wrappers (`build.cmd`, `build-essentials.cmd`) added for
easy invocation from `cmd.exe`, forwarding all arguments to the
PowerShell scripts.
[[1]](diffhunk://#diff-4bf353f2a88f1378983e4e2f3a5555e69b6a6ccfbe004001c1ebfe99ca57903dR1-R5)
[[2]](diffhunk://#diff-48b3da077cd89d8ed6befe57a781bea813e6f9594bfcefbc320b20dea589c5abR1-R6)
**Documentation and usage guidance:**
* Introduced `BUILD-GUIDELINES.md` with clear instructions, usage
examples, and troubleshooting tips for all build scripts, including
platform overrides and log locations.
**Installer pipeline improvements:**
* The installer build pipeline (`build-installer.ps1`) now uses shared
helpers for platform detection and Visual Studio initialization, and
passes unified build arguments to all MSBuild invocations, improving
consistency and maintainability.
[[1]](diffhunk://#diff-21888769485d767c43c0895fe315e6f6d7384da62f60ef917d8a61a610da10b9L83-L126)
[[2]](diffhunk://#diff-21888769485d767c43c0895fe315e6f6d7384da62f60ef917d8a61a610da10b9L137-R113)
[[3]](diffhunk://#diff-21888769485d767c43c0895fe315e6f6d7384da62f60ef917d8a61a610da10b9L151-R128)
[[4]](diffhunk://#diff-21888769485d767c43c0895fe315e6f6d7384da62f60ef917d8a61a610da10b9L162-R142)
---
**References:**
[[1]](diffhunk://#diff-43764921d6c830dbb3a15fe875aebfbc46966ae5ff62f3179adb3ff046b47b9dR1-R284)
[[2]](diffhunk://#diff-946ed85e16779fdbcfeb7de80f631eae2da0f7bd478e27e22621121b409dde88L1-R73)
[[3]](diffhunk://#diff-21888769485d767c43c0895fe315e6f6d7384da62f60ef917d8a61a610da10b9L55-R77)
[[4]](diffhunk://#diff-283bc775aac55085b6a0a47e40b3cf619fff47e20a2f5537fd6dd342d19d2afdR1-R48)
[[5]](diffhunk://#diff-4bf353f2a88f1378983e4e2f3a5555e69b6a6ccfbe004001c1ebfe99ca57903dR1-R5)
[[6]](diffhunk://#diff-48b3da077cd89d8ed6befe57a781bea813e6f9594bfcefbc320b20dea589c5abR1-R6)
[[7]](diffhunk://#diff-21888769485d767c43c0895fe315e6f6d7384da62f60ef917d8a61a610da10b9L83-L126)
[[8]](diffhunk://#diff-21888769485d767c43c0895fe315e6f6d7384da62f60ef917d8a61a610da10b9L137-R113)
[[9]](diffhunk://#diff-21888769485d767c43c0895fe315e6f6d7384da62f60ef917d8a61a610da10b9L151-R128)
[[10]](diffhunk://#diff-21888769485d767c43c0895fe315e6f6d7384da62f60ef917d8a61a610da10b9L162-R142)
2025-08-31 19:23:27 -07:00
2) `build.ps1` (from any folder)
- Builds any `.sln/.csproj/.vcxproj` in the current directory.
- Auto-detects Platform; initializes VS Dev environment automatically.
- Accepts extra MSBuild args (forwarded to msbuild):
- `./tools/build/build.ps1 '/p:CIBuild=true' '/p:SomeProp=Value'`
- Restore only:
- `./tools/build/build.ps1 -RestoreOnly`
Improve how to build the project in PowerToys easier (#41459)
This pull request refactors and standardizes the PowerToys build scripts
to improve maintainability, reusability, and platform detection. The
main changes are the introduction of a shared helper script
(`build-common.ps1`), migration of build logic in individual scripts to
use these helpers, and enhanced platform auto-detection. This makes the
build pipeline more robust and easier to use from any directory within
the repository.
As the result of our recent changes, use the following guidance when
working in the PowerToys repo:
1. Use `build-essentials.ps1` before any development in general
- Purpose: restore NuGet packages for the full solution and build a
small set of essential native projects (runner, settings). This is a
fast way to ensure native artifacts required for local development are
available.
2. Use `build.ps1` from any folder
- Purpose: lightweight local builder. It auto-discovers the target
platform (x64/arm64/x86) and builds projects it finds in the current
directory.
- Notes: you can pass additional MSBuild arguments positionally (e.g.
`./tools/build/build.ps1 '/p:CIBuild=true'`) — the script will forward
them to MSBuild.
- Use `-RestoreOnly` to only restore packages for local projects.
3. Use `build-installer.ps1` to create a local installer (use with
caution)
- Purpose: runs the full pipeline that restores, builds the full
solution, signs packages, and builds the installer (MSI/bootstrapper).
- Caution: this script performs cleaning (git clean) and installer
packaging steps that may remove untracked files under `installer/`.
Additional notes
- Shared helpers live in `build-common.ps1` and are used by the other
scripts (`RunMSBuild`, `RestoreThenBuild`, `BuildProjectsInDirectory`,
platform auto-detection).
**Shared build logic and helper functions:**
* Added new `tools/build/build-common.ps1` file containing reusable
PowerShell functions for MSBuild invocation, solution/project restore
and build, platform detection, and project discovery. All build scripts
now dot-source this file for shared functionality.
**Refactoring of build scripts to use shared helpers:**
* Updated `tools/build/build-essentials.ps1` to use `build-common.ps1`
helpers, including auto-detection of repository root and platform, and
simplified project build logic.
* Created new `tools/build/build.ps1` for quick local builds, using
shared helpers and supporting extra MSBuild arguments and platform
auto-detection.
* Refactored `tools/build/build-installer.ps1` to remove duplicate build
logic, use shared helpers, and support platform auto-detection and
argument forwarding.
[[1]](diffhunk://#diff-21888769485d767c43c0895fe315e6f6d7384da62f60ef917d8a61a610da10b9L55-R74)
[[2]](diffhunk://#diff-21888769485d767c43c0895fe315e6f6d7384da62f60ef917d8a61a610da10b9L83-L126)
**Improved platform detection and argument handling:**
* All scripts now auto-detect the target platform if not specified,
using the new `Get-DefaultPlatform` helper. This supports x64, arm64,
and x86 hosts.
[[1]](diffhunk://#diff-43764921d6c830dbb3a15fe875aebfbc46966ae5ff62f3179adb3ff046b47b9dR1-R166)
[[2]](diffhunk://#diff-946ed85e16779fdbcfeb7de80f631eae2da0f7bd478e27e22621121b409dde88L1-R70)
[[3]](diffhunk://#diff-7a444242b2a6d9c642341bd2ef45f51ba5698ad7827e5136e85eb483863967a7R1-R88)
[[4]](diffhunk://#diff-21888769485d767c43c0895fe315e6f6d7384da62f60ef917d8a61a610da10b9L55-R74)
**Consistent MSBuild invocation and logging:**
* MSBuild calls now consistently use shared helpers, centralized
logging, and support passing extra arguments such as `/p:CIBuild=true`
and custom solution/project paths.
[[1]](diffhunk://#diff-43764921d6c830dbb3a15fe875aebfbc46966ae5ff62f3179adb3ff046b47b9dR1-R166)
[[2]](diffhunk://#diff-21888769485d767c43c0895fe315e6f6d7384da62f60ef917d8a61a610da10b9L137-R110)
[[3]](diffhunk://#diff-21888769485d767c43c0895fe315e6f6d7384da62f60ef917d8a61a610da10b9L151-R125)
[[4]](diffhunk://#diff-21888769485d767c43c0895fe315e6f6d7384da62f60ef917d8a61a610da10b9L162-R139)
**Project and solution build improvements:**
* Build scripts now discover and build projects in preferred order
(.sln, .csproj, .vcxproj), and support restoring packages only if
requested.
[[1]](diffhunk://#diff-43764921d6c830dbb3a15fe875aebfbc46966ae5ff62f3179adb3ff046b47b9dR1-R166)
[[2]](diffhunk://#diff-7a444242b2a6d9c642341bd2ef45f51ba5698ad7827e5136e85eb483863967a7R1-R88)
Let me know if you need a walkthrough of the new helper functions or how
to use the updated build scripts!
2025-08-29 01:23:52 -07:00
Enable just build in any cmd or powershell simply (not necessary in Developer Command Prompt for VS 2022) (#41475)
This pull request refactors and modernizes the PowerToys build scripts
to provide a more robust, platform-aware, and user-friendly local build
experience. The changes introduce shared PowerShell helpers, add clear
documentation, improve Visual Studio environment detection, and unify
build logic across scripts. The new approach enables easier builds from
any folder, better error reporting, and automatic platform detection for
x64/arm64.
**Build system modernization and shared helpers:**
* Added new shared helper script `build-common.ps1` containing reusable
functions for MSBuild invocation, Visual Studio environment
initialization, project discovery, and platform auto-detection. This
script is now dot-sourced by all build scripts for consistent behavior.
* Refactored `build-essentials.ps1` and `build-installer.ps1` to use the
shared helpers, enabling automatic Visual Studio dev environment setup
and platform detection. Both scripts now work from any folder inside the
repo and provide improved logging and error handling.
[[1]](diffhunk://#diff-946ed85e16779fdbcfeb7de80f631eae2da0f7bd478e27e22621121b409dde88L1-R73)
[[2]](diffhunk://#diff-21888769485d767c43c0895fe315e6f6d7384da62f60ef917d8a61a610da10b9L55-R77)
**Improved build workflow and error reporting:**
* All build scripts now write detailed logs (full, errors, warnings,
binlog) next to the solution/project being built, with troubleshooting
guidance documented in the new guidelines.
[[1]](diffhunk://#diff-43764921d6c830dbb3a15fe875aebfbc46966ae5ff62f3179adb3ff046b47b9dR1-R284)
[[2]](diffhunk://#diff-283bc775aac55085b6a0a47e40b3cf619fff47e20a2f5537fd6dd342d19d2afdR1-R48)
* Command-line wrappers (`build.cmd`, `build-essentials.cmd`) added for
easy invocation from `cmd.exe`, forwarding all arguments to the
PowerShell scripts.
[[1]](diffhunk://#diff-4bf353f2a88f1378983e4e2f3a5555e69b6a6ccfbe004001c1ebfe99ca57903dR1-R5)
[[2]](diffhunk://#diff-48b3da077cd89d8ed6befe57a781bea813e6f9594bfcefbc320b20dea589c5abR1-R6)
**Documentation and usage guidance:**
* Introduced `BUILD-GUIDELINES.md` with clear instructions, usage
examples, and troubleshooting tips for all build scripts, including
platform overrides and log locations.
**Installer pipeline improvements:**
* The installer build pipeline (`build-installer.ps1`) now uses shared
helpers for platform detection and Visual Studio initialization, and
passes unified build arguments to all MSBuild invocations, improving
consistency and maintainability.
[[1]](diffhunk://#diff-21888769485d767c43c0895fe315e6f6d7384da62f60ef917d8a61a610da10b9L83-L126)
[[2]](diffhunk://#diff-21888769485d767c43c0895fe315e6f6d7384da62f60ef917d8a61a610da10b9L137-R113)
[[3]](diffhunk://#diff-21888769485d767c43c0895fe315e6f6d7384da62f60ef917d8a61a610da10b9L151-R128)
[[4]](diffhunk://#diff-21888769485d767c43c0895fe315e6f6d7384da62f60ef917d8a61a610da10b9L162-R142)
---
**References:**
[[1]](diffhunk://#diff-43764921d6c830dbb3a15fe875aebfbc46966ae5ff62f3179adb3ff046b47b9dR1-R284)
[[2]](diffhunk://#diff-946ed85e16779fdbcfeb7de80f631eae2da0f7bd478e27e22621121b409dde88L1-R73)
[[3]](diffhunk://#diff-21888769485d767c43c0895fe315e6f6d7384da62f60ef917d8a61a610da10b9L55-R77)
[[4]](diffhunk://#diff-283bc775aac55085b6a0a47e40b3cf619fff47e20a2f5537fd6dd342d19d2afdR1-R48)
[[5]](diffhunk://#diff-4bf353f2a88f1378983e4e2f3a5555e69b6a6ccfbe004001c1ebfe99ca57903dR1-R5)
[[6]](diffhunk://#diff-48b3da077cd89d8ed6befe57a781bea813e6f9594bfcefbc320b20dea589c5abR1-R6)
[[7]](diffhunk://#diff-21888769485d767c43c0895fe315e6f6d7384da62f60ef917d8a61a610da10b9L83-L126)
[[8]](diffhunk://#diff-21888769485d767c43c0895fe315e6f6d7384da62f60ef917d8a61a610da10b9L137-R113)
[[9]](diffhunk://#diff-21888769485d767c43c0895fe315e6f6d7384da62f60ef917d8a61a610da10b9L151-R128)
[[10]](diffhunk://#diff-21888769485d767c43c0895fe315e6f6d7384da62f60ef917d8a61a610da10b9L162-R142)
2025-08-31 19:23:27 -07:00
3) `build-installer.ps1` (use with caution)
- Full local packaging pipeline (restore, build, sign MSIX, WiX v5 MSI/bootstrapper).
- Auto-inits VS Dev environment. Cleans some output (keeps *.exe) under `installer/` .
- Key options: `-PerUser true|false` , `-InstallerSuffix wix5|vnext` .
- Example:
- `./tools/build/build-installer.ps1 -Platform x64 -Configuration Release -PerUser true -InstallerSuffix wix5`
## Logs and troubleshooting
- On failure, see logs next to the solution/project being built:
- `build.<configuration>.<platform>.all.log` — full text log
- `build.<configuration>.<platform>.errors.log` — errors only
- `build.<configuration>.<platform>.warnings.log` — warnings only
- `build.<configuration>.<platform>.trace.binlog` — open with MSBuild Structured Log Viewer
- VS environment init:
- Scripts try DevShell first (`Microsoft.VisualStudio.DevShell.dll` / `Enter-VsDevShell` ), then fall back to `VsDevCmd.bat` .
- If VS isn’ `vswhere.exe` exists under `Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Visual Studio\Installer` .
## Notes
- Override platform explicitly with `-Platform x64|arm64` if needed.
- CMD wrappers: `build.cmd` , `build-essentials.cmd` forward all arguments to the PowerShell scripts.
