What's new

Rewritten XAML parser

The XAML parser in the Visual Studio extension has been rewritten from the ground up to reduce friction and improve your feedback loop when working in XAML. The new XAML parser is based on Roslyn and provides instant feedback as you type - no compilation necessary.

The XAML language service has been decoupled from XML, meaning you now get semantic syntax highlighting where elements and attributes are colored based on their role in the XAML.

Enhanced IntelliSense

The new code completion understands your XAML structure, available properties, and bound view models, meaning that it can give context-dependent code completions.

When using x:DataType, you'll get full IntelliSense for strongly-typed bindings with suggestions pulled directly from your ViewModel.

Improved quick info

Hover over any control, property, or attached member to get rich, contextual information: the declaring type, complete summary documentation, and detailed type information.

x:DataType quick info

When using x:DataType, it can be challenging to determine exactly what data type is available at any point in the XAML hierarchy—especially in deeply nested hierarchies with complex bindings. The new x:DataType Quick Info addresses this need.

Enhanced errors & reporting

XAML errors have long been a pain point. We've rebuilt the diagnostics engine to support multiple simultaneous errors and provide pinpoint-accurate messages. Misused enums? Misspelled properties? You'll see exactly what's wrong and where, with no guesswork.

Go To Definition support

Press F12 on any type or member to navigate directly to its definition—whether in your current project or in metadata.

Improved code fixes

XML namespace code fixes now appear in Quick Info tooltips and intelligently generate useful prefixes for you.

Enhanced event generation

Event handler generation is now aware of the using statements in your C# code-behind files and respects them when qualifying types.

Auto XAML namespace imports

Selecting a type that requires a namespace import from the completion list will automatically add an xmlns import with an intelligently-chosen prefix.

Whitespace settings compliance

The extension now respects Visual Studio's tabs/spaces settings, including support for reading settings from any .editorconfig file present in the project.

Editor layout persistence

The extension now remembers the layout of the Avalonia XAML editor pane and restores it the next time an Avalonia XAML file is opened.