Visual Studio Projects and Solutions

Should You Use Folders or Projects in a Visual Studio Solution?

When working on software development projects in Visual Studio, one of the choices developers face is how to organize their code. Specifically, the question arises: When is it best to use a separate project instead of just grouping files by a folder? This is an important consideration, as it can affect everything from code maintainability to deployment options. Let’s dive into the solution to this common dilemma.

The Default Preference: Folders

Create New Folders

By default, it’s usually best to create new folders within the same project when you split your solution into logical layers. Here are some compelling reasons why this approach is often the most advantageous:

  • Single Assembly: Keeping related files within the same project compiles them into a single assembly. This eliminates the need for additional steps like ILMerge, which is often used to merge multiple assemblies. A single assembly is easier to manage during deployment.

  • Simplified Obfuscation: Working within a single project allows for easier obfuscation. This means you can limit the number of public types and methods exposed to other parts of your application, ideally having none, which enhances security and intellectual property protection.

Understand the Limits of Projects

While there are cases for using separate projects, they should be made with careful consideration. Here are situations when multiple projects are justified:

  • Non-deployable Source Code: If you have parts of your source code that should not be deployed as they are (like unit tests or additional plugins), it makes sense to separate them into distinct projects.
  • Multiple Developers: If a team of developers is working together and you need to treat different pieces of work as consumable black boxes, then using multiple projects can help support that structure. However, this is not highly recommended due to complexities it introduces.
  • Isolated Modules: If your project can be clearly divided into isolated layers or modules and you aim to prevent these modules from accessing each other’s internal members, multiple projects may be beneficial. Just be aware that this approach requires careful planning and prioritizing the most important aspects of your design rather than creating overly complex structures.

Rethinking Reusability

Many developers might think that portions of their source code could be reusable, prompting them to create new projects. However, consider the following advice:

  • Wait Before Creating New Projects: It’s advised to refrain from creating a new project for sections of code you think might be reusable. Only extract code into a new project if you have a definitive need to reuse it in another solution later on.
  • Complexity of Reuse: Programming is not like building with Lego blocks; making a piece reusable is frequently more intricate than it appears. You’ll find that many planned reusability efforts don’t pan out as expected.

Conclusion

In summary, for most situations in Visual Studio solutions, utilizing folders within the same project is the way to go. This method promotes ease of management, reduces the complexity of your build output, and enhances security. Use separate projects sparingly and with clear purpose, primarily when you have valid reasons that enhance your development process.

Choosing the right organizational structure for your solution lays the groundwork for a more efficient and maintainable codebase. Always weigh the pros and cons of both methods before proceeding with your project structure.