Accessing the Automation Model by Using Macros
Visual Studio macros are a great way to easily gain access to the various Visual Studio Automation models. You can use them to quickly create automation-based tools for use in Visual Studio.
Quick and Easy to Use
Macros are created, run, and debugged in their own separate environment, the Macros integrated development environment (IDE). Consequently, it is easy to run and debug your automation code in it, against the main IDE, without starting another instance of Visual Studio.
Because references to the main automation libraries (EnvDTE, EnvDTE80, EnvDTE90, and EnvDTE100) are already provided, you can immediately begin writing code right after the Macros IDE starts.
Macros are also a great way to create quick, disposable automation tools to help automate a repetitive process, or even more sophisticated automation tools. For more information about creating, using, and debugging macros, see Automating Repetitive Actions by Using Macros.