Configuring the IDE
You can configure the development environment for the host application by modifying the settings for the Visual Studio Tools for Applications integrated development environment (IDE), creating an in-process host, and adding registry entries.
IDE Settings
You can modify the general settings of the Visual Studio Tools for Applications development environment by using option settings that are available in the IDE. For more information, see Visual Studio Settings. To make these settings the default initial settings for add-in developers:
Export Visual Studio Tools for Applications settings to a file. For more information, see Import and Export Settings Wizard.
During Setup, put the settings file into the installation directory (or other directory) on the add-in developer's computer.
Set the DefaultSettings entry of the host configuration registry key to the location of the directory that contains the settings file. For more information, see Host Configuration Registry Key Settings.
You can use these settings to show or hide tool windows, adjust window layouts, configure menu commands, change menu names, modify editor defaults, and make other general adjustments to the IDE.
In-Process Host
To make advanced customizations to the IDE, you need to create an in-process host. Use an in-process host to generate code in response to user events. You can also modify the appearance and behavior of the project creation wizard, the visual designer, IDE menus, and windows such as Project Explorer. For more information, see Creating In-Process Hosts.
File Paths
Visual Studio Tools for Applications uses registry settings to locate and save files throughout the add-in development process. You can use these settings to provide paths for project and item templates, default settings files, and default file storage locations. For more information, see Registering the Host Application.
See Also
Tasks
How to: Enable Non-Destructive Debugging for Add-Ins
Concepts
Host Configuration Registry Key Settings