Microsoft has announced the pre-release of C# Dev Kit 11.0, introducing a major architectural overhaul aligned with .NET 11. Moving directly from version 3.3 to version 11.0, the update focuses on responsiveness, memory reduction, and improved project configuration tools within Visual Studio Code.
Native AOT Process Consolidation and Caching
Instead of running six separate managed processes that communicate with each other, C# Dev Kit 11.0 consolidates its internal extension services into a single server process. The consolidated server is compiled ahead-of-time using .NET Native AOT, eliminating runtime startup overhead and just-in-time compilation. The C# language service process remains separate.
The release also introduces project caching, allowing the extension to prioritize loading the active file first so developers can start editing while background projects complete loading. Committing project cache files to version control allows fresh repository clones and git worktrees to receive immediate tooling support.
Faster Incremental Builds and MSBuild Support
The 11.0 update incorporates fast up-to-date checks and Build Acceleration to reduce incremental build times. These mechanisms reduce the overhead of checking for changed files and copying output files, which speeds up unit test execution and application launches.
In addition, C# Dev Kit 11.0 adds dedicated editing capabilities for .csproj, .props, and .targets files. Developers receive autocompletion for package names, package versions, properties, items, and metadata keys, alongside diagnostics, quick fixes, and CodeLens indicators for package vulnerabilities and available updates.
Environment Troubleshooting via C# Doctor
To simplify environment setup, Microsoft introduced a tool called C# Doctor within the extension. It aggregates environmental diagnostics into a central view to resolve configuration issues, including missing SDKs, missing runtimes, unavailable target frameworks, failed package restores, and package vulnerabilities.
C# Dev Kit 11.0 is currently available to try in Visual Studio Code by selecting the pre-release channel option on the extension page.
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Source: A faster, lighter C# Dev Kit
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