A Difference between Visual C++ 2010 and Visual C++ 2008

I have just noticed that there is no more global option for specifying reference (such as include, library, executable, etc.) directories in Visual C++ 2010. Previously you could open the Options window using Tools – Options menu, and there was an item called VC++ Directories. This was extremely useful for specifying external SDK roots. For example, I use wxWidgets for some of my research projects, WTL for the UI coding, and also the ACE library. Since VC6 the right way to link to such SDK-like products was precisely through the VC++ Directories dialog.

However, in Visual Studio 2010 Beta 1 these settings are now made project-specific and are accessible via Project Properties window:

I am wondering if the same behavior is going to apply for the final release. If so, I guess it would bring a lot of inconvenience, especially for team development. I hope, it is not more than a bug.

Cheers,
Kirill

Reusing Source Files in Multiple Visual Studio Projects

Sometimes you have a file F in a project P1, and you want to add it to your project P2 without actually getting a copy of the file. In Visual C++ you simple choose Add Existing Item, the rest is taken care of for you. However, in Visual C# (and maybe Visual Basic which I didn't test) even if you choose Add Existing Item and pick a file from an external folder, the file will be copied to your project folder.

I really find it awkward especially in case you have your files under version control. Luckily, I've just found a simple solution how you can share your source code between two or more projects without copying the files. At least for C# it works just perfectly. Furthermore, no 3^rd party software is required!

You still choose Add Existing Item, then in the File Open dialog box you select your file and press the small arrow on the Add button. You should choose the Add As Link menu item:



Then the your file reference should be displayed as an icon with a shortcut arrow in the solution tree:



Cheers,
Kirill