Adding Transformation Files in the .NET Windows Service

Introduction

I have tried to make it very simple to add the transformation files of app.config file into .NET Windows Service.

Step by Step

Step 1

Add the transform files manually on the project folder where the app.config is, for example, I have added three transformation files as below.

• App.FSTTransform.config
• App.LIVETransform.config
• App.UATTransform.config

Step 2

Right click on the .csproj project file from the project folder and edit that with any editor.

Step 3

On the opened XML file, replace the below code:

<ItemGroup>
  <None Include="App.config" />
</ItemGroup>

by the below XML:

<ItemGroup>
   <None Include="App.config">
     <SubType>Designer</SubType>
   </None>
   <None Include="App.FSTTransform.config">
     <DependentUpon>
       App.config
     </DependentUpon>
   </None>
   <None Include="App.UATTransform.config">
     <DependentUpon>
       App.config
     </DependentUpon>
   </None>
   <None Include="App.LIVETransform.config">
     <DependentUpon>
       App.config
     </DependentUpon>
   </None>
 </ItemGroup>

Step 4

Add below XML target after the Import <Import Project="$(MSBuildToolsPath)\Microsoft.CSharp.targets" />:

<Target Name="AfterCompile">
    <TransformXml Source="App.config"
    Destination="App_FST.config" Transform="App.FSTTransform.config" />
    <TransformXml Source="App.config"
    Destination="App_UAT.config" Transform="App.UATTransform.config" />
    <TransformXml Source="App.config"
    Destination="App_LIVE.config" Transform="App.LIVETransform.config" />
</Target>

Step 5

Define the TransformXML on before the <PropertyGroup> on top of the project XML file as below:

<UsingTask TaskName="TransformXml"
AssemblyFile="$(MSBuildExtensionsPath)\Microsoft\VisualStudio\v11.0\Web\Microsoft.Web.Publishing.Tasks.dll" /> 

Final Step

Go to Visual Studio and reload the project. Build the project.