ExtendedSharp 1.0.0

CSBuild

CSBuild is a C# code generation tool that turns inline XML component syntax into fully-typed, production-ready C# factory method calls. It makes building UI components fast, readable, and type-safe.

Features

• Inline XML Syntax
  Write UI components using a clean, XML-like structure directly in C#.
  Example:

  return (
      <div className="profile">
          <h1>{user.Name}</h1>
          <button onClick={() => EditUser(user.Id)}>Edit Profile</button>
      </div>
  );
  

• Pure Components by Default Components are pure: same inputs produce the same outputs. Local state and async tasks are supported without side effects.

• Async-Friendly Handle asynchronous operations safely:

  var task = UseAsync(() => LoadUserAsync(userId));
  
  if (!task.IsCompleted)
  {
      return <Loading />;
  }
  
  var user = task.Result;
  

• Automatic Code Generation Generates fully-typed C# in ProjectRoot/Generated/ automatically whenever you save .xcs files.

• Watch Mode Live development support: CSBuild watches your project and regenerates code instantly.

• Nested Components & LINQ Support Compose components naturally and use LINQ operations directly:

  {items.Select(item => (
      <Card title={item.Title}>
          <p>{item.Description}</p>
      </Card>
  ))}
  

• Consistent, Readable Output Generated C# uses factory methods (Document.CreateElement) with strong typing and consistent patterns.

• Self-Contained Component Folders Each component can live in its own folder with associated styles, assets, and logic.

• Extensible Factory Methods Supports custom frameworks:

  csbuild --watch --factory MyFramework --create-element Build
  

  Produces:

  MyFramework.Build("div", props, children)
  

• Mixed Content Support Combine text and C# expressions seamlessly:

  <p>Hello {user.Name}, you have {messageCount} messages</p>
  

Benefits

• Readable & Maintainable – Inline XML mirrors the UI structure.
• Type-Safe – Prop objects are fully typed and validated by the compiler.
• Productive – Less boilerplate, faster iteration, fewer errors.
• Reusable – Components naturally nest and compose.

Getting Started

1. Install CSBuild:

   dotnet tool install --global CSBuild
   

2. Create a component .xcs file using inline XML.

3. Start the watcher:

   csbuild --watch
   

4. Edit your components and watch CSBuild generate C# code in ProjectRoot/Generated/.

IDE Support

• .xcs files can be treated as C# in most IDEs to get basic syntax highlighting.
• Full inline XML intellisense requires a custom plugin (anyone is welcome to build one!).

CSBuild is designed to make building UI components fast, type-safe, and maintainable while keeping your code clean and readable.

Happy building!