views:

156

answers:

3

The preview for a silverlight usercontrol in vs2008 is mostly useless to me and it takes forever to load. I spend a lot of time switching to XAML only and minimizing the preview for every Silverlight UserControl that I open. Is there a setting whereby I can tell VS2008 to by default open these in XAML-only mode?

+7  A: 

Yes.

Right-click and choose "Open with..."

Choose "Source Code (Text) Editor" so you get intelisense and set it to default from that dialog.

Poof. No more designer :)

Brian Genisio
This is exactly what I was looking for. Add to it that I can set this as the default. Also note that you should choose "Source Code (Text)" NOT "XML Editor" as with the Source Code option you retain IntelliSense.
caryden
+1 for enhancing the accepted answer with further helpful info
Gordon Mackie JoanMiro
A: 

I don't know if there is a way of opening XAML only. But you can certainly open with only the XML editor enabled.

  • Right Click
  • Select Open With ...
  • Choose "XML Editor"
JaredPar
You want to choose "Source Code (Text)" to retain IntelliSense on the XAML.
caryden
@caryden, neat. Didn't know that would work that way.
JaredPar
+3  A: 

I found that when I use the option "Open With" I experienced lockups and it was a problem. (Probably just me.)
In any case, this option works much better for me: Use Visual Studio Tools menu, Select Options -- Text Editor -- XAML -- Miscellaneous. And then you will see "Always Open documents in full XAML view" That's the ticket.

Saves so much time.

BPerreault
This is a great answer too! Actually more closely aligned with what I was looking for. I too have been experiencing some lock-ups but I never thought to attribute it to the Open With solution.
caryden