Is there a way to pre-compile websites with VWD Express ?
Can I use ASP.NET Merge tool or similar utility ? and is there any limitation to options (can I choose whatever options like in VS Pro edition)
Is there a way to pre-compile websites with VWD Express ?
Can I use ASP.NET Merge tool or similar utility ? and is there any limitation to options (can I choose whatever options like in VS Pro edition)
Not 100% about VWD but do you have post build options within IDE (under the Build Events of the web application properties)
Even without you could run following from the command line
C:\Windows\Microsoft.NET\Framework\v2.0.50727\aspnet_compiler -v / -f -u -p
"$(ProjectDir)\" "$(SolutionDir)PrecompiledWeb\$(ConfigurationName)"
I haven't tried this with anything generated by VS Express, but you should be able to build and deploy the website using a custom MSBuild script no matter where it came from. Something like:
<MSBuild Projects="$(MSBuildProjectDirectory)\MyProject.csproj"
Targets="ResolveReferences;_CopyWebApplication"
Properties="WebProjectOutputDir=$(MyTargetDir);OutDir=$(WebProjectOutputDir)\;Configuration=Release" />
I decided to make it easier by creating a custom external tool, here is how I did it: http://blog.larmib.com/2012/how-to-compile-visual-web-developer-2010-express/
To make things easier I created a Settings file precompile.vssetting. Enjoy, please +1 my blog if you find my post helpful.