How to add a new project type to IronPython Studio?

Question

I'm trying to follow this tutorial, but it only describes how to add a new project type based on C#. I want to create a new project (sub)type underneath IronPython.

I've downloaded the IronPython source code, and I think I've found the place where I need to add my new template, but I don't know how to "run" it. VS tells me I can't run the project because it's a class. When following the above tutorial, it actually does let you run it, it just fires up a test instance of VS. So how would I test my new IronPython template? When I build it, it creates a dll and a vsix file, but I don't know what to do with them.

I can copy the template.zip file into my VS ProjectTemplates folder, and that works, but I need to add some more functionality than just a template, which is why I'm trying to create a VSPackage. The IronPython source does this, but I just need to find the proper way to extend it.

Also, I'd preferably like to decouple my project with the IronPythonTools project so that I don't have to rebuild the whole thing, and when IronPythonTools is updated, my project won't explode. There must be some kind of class I can inherit from instead?

Answer 1

When you build and get the VSIX file you can use that to install the package into a normal instance of VS. You just need to double click on the .vsix file and you'll get the VS extension installation experience. You can also give the VSIX to anyone else and they can install it as well.

The easiest way to be decoupled from IronPython Tools would be to not link against any of it's assemblies. That might mean you need to create some functionality from scratch if you're using anything that's in Ipy Tools.