Where do I put exe's for custom build actions?

Question

I have an exe that runs as part of the post-build for my project. Currently it is just sitting in the projet's bin directory.

Now that I want to use the same post-build action for all projects, where should I place it? Is there a common location already set up for this? Would I just stick it in a well known path an hard code it?

One option I'm thinking about is placing it in "$(DevEnvDir)\MyUtils".

Answer 1

That would work (as would anywhere on your PATH and you wouldn't have to prefix it with anything). However, if it's only used in one solution and the solution is in source control, I'd recommend putting it in the solution directory and checking the utility into source control as well, so anyone else checking out the project can just check it out and click build.

Answer 2

I generally use the following folder structure (all of which is in the trunk of the source tree):

/source - contains solution file and project directories

/lib - dll references

/tools - exe's

/build - ccnet / nant build scripts

/deployment - any deployment powershell scripts

That way, you can reference your tools via solution directory + "..\tools\toolname.exe"