How to get t4 files to build in visual studio?

Question

When I build my c# solution the .tt files will not create the .cs file outputs. But if I right click the .tt files one at a time in solution explorer and select "Run Custom Tool" the .cs is generated, so the build tool setting is correct. What do I do to get the overall solution build to force the custom tool to run on the .tt files?

Answer 1

Answering my own question, they are supposed to be generated at design time as per this discussion:

http://www.olegsych.com/2008/02/t4-template-directive/

Answer 2

Paul, you can also generate code at build time with TextTransform.exe or Elton Stoneman's MSBuild task. Just keep in mind that behavior of the built-in directives, like assembly and include is different when T4 runs in Visual Studio vs. the command-line host.