Microsoft has rolled out Visual Studio 2022 version 17.12, the latest update to its popular integrated development environment (IDE), bringing a host of new features aimed at improving the productivity of developers. This release, which became generally available on November 12, coincides with the launch of .NET 9, adding new capabilities that cater to both C++ developers and those utilizing GitHub Copilot for AI-assisted programming.
One of the key highlights of Visual Studio 2022 17.12 is its focus on enhancing the C++ development experience. Developers working with C++ can now set command-line arguments directly from the toolbar, streamlining their workflow. Additionally, the update introduces a more straightforward way to open Unreal Engine projects, providing users with a new option to open uproject files. A clearer file view in Build Insights has also been incorporated, improving visibility and simplifying the debugging process. These improvements build on previous efforts by Microsoft to make Visual Studio a top choice for C++ development.
AI-driven enhancements are another major part of this release. GitHub Copilot, integrated into the IDE, now offers an improved debugging experience with its AI-powered variable inspection feature. This allows developers to better understand and resolve issues in their code. Copilot can also help fix code more efficiently, taking advantage of its AI capabilities to suggest solutions. For C# developers, the update brings better AI completions, further enhancing the coding process and reducing the need for manual input.
The update also includes various improvements to the Visual Studio debugger. One notable change is the ability to display inline return values, simplifying the debugging process. Debugging for Blazor WebAssembly apps targeting .NET 9 or later has also been optimized. Several productivity features have been added, such as more efficient error copying and smoother Code Cleanup during save operations. Additionally, Code Search now allows users to navigate to specific lines in the current or other documents, further enhancing the IDE’s usability for developers.