Create MSBuild task that recursively copies a folder to several projects in my solution

Question

I'm new to MSBuild and I tried reading up on several sources on the net but I'm missing somet things..

Here's what I want:

• A build task that on execution recursively copies a directory structure from a (hardcoded/configured) path on my machine to a set of projects in the solution
• Then compiles (release/debug, I guess I can make two sets of them)
• Preferably this process would be called when I press f5 in VS and is selectable from the release/debug dropdown (with a different name off course).

What I don't get yet:

• Where do I place my .proj file? In my root (where my sln file is)?
• How can I make VS pick it up (bind it to f5).

Answer 1

Hi, I just answered a question very similar to this, see my entry at http://stackoverflow.com/questions/924972/msbuild-copy-to-several-locations-based-on-list-of-destination-parameter/934896#934896.

Answer 2

Look at the Copy Task examples on how to copy a file structure recursively.