Get Perplexed with Visual Studio: A Guide to Changing Frameworks

Visual Studio is ubiquitous in the world of development. It provides an exhaustive list of tools and functionalities that aid developers in developing applications of various kinds. Be it desktop applications or web applications, Visual Studio caters to all. One of the standout features of Visual Studio is its ability to support multiple frameworks. This propitious feature allows developers to code in different technologies and platforms according to their preferences and needs.

Amidst the Tricky Framework Upgrade Journey

However, changing the frameworks in Visual Studio can be labyrinthine at times. It may require navigational skills and precision to ensure that your project configuration is accurate along with the required components. In this article, we have curated a step-by-step guide on how you can change the framework in Visual Studio 2019.

The Elucidative Steps

Step 1: Create a New Project

The first step to undertake when changing the framework in Visual Studio 2019 is creating a new project. You can create a new project by navigating to File > New > Project. In the New Project dialog box, select the project type you want to create like Console Application, Web Application, and then choose the framework from the dropdown list.

Step 2: Change the Target Framework

Once you have created a new project, the next step is to change the target framework. It tells Visual Studio which version of the framework you want to use for your project. You can do this by right-clicking on your project in the Solution Explorer, select Properties. In the Project Properties dialog box, select the Application tab and then choose the framework from the Target Framework dropdown list.

Step 3: Preparations for Required Components

If you’re changing the framework to a newer version that you haven’t used before, installing additional components is a prerequisite. Installing .Net Framework 4.8 Developer Pack when upgrading from .Net Framework 4.7 to .Net Framework 4.8 is an example. You can download the required components links available on the Microsoft website.

Step 4: Update References

Updating the references to external libraries and components is a necessary step when you change the framework. This is because different versions of the framework use different versions of these components. Right-click on your project in the Solution Explorer and select ‘Manage NuGet Packages’ to update references. In the NuGet Package Manager, you can check for updates for packages and update them accordingly.

Step 5: Test Your Application

After changing the framework and updating your references, it’s time to test your application. Build your project by selecting ‘Build Solution’, and then run it using the ‘Run’ button. You should be able to see your application running using the new framework if everything works correctly.

Conclusion

The daunting task of changing the framework in Visual Studio 2019 can indeed be a significant challenge, particularly if you’re apprehensive with the process. Nevertheless, by following the steps discussed above, rest assured you can change your framework with ease and make your coding experience a breeze. Good luck, and keep coding!