VSPackage Load Keys

To prevent unauthenticated VSPackages from running in Visual Studio, each VSPackage to be loaded in a deployed application must have a valid package load key (PLK).

The Visual Studio SDK provides a developer load key (DLK) that makes it possible for VSPackages to load without a PLK during development.

In This Section

• DLK and PLK Explained
  Introduces PLKs and discusses security issues.

• How to: Obtain a PLK for a VSPackage
  Explains how to obtain a PLK for VSPackages that you want to deploy.

• How to: Add a PLK to a VSPackage Project (C#)
  Explains how to install a PLK in a VSPackage that you want to deploy.

• How to: Troubleshoot a PLK Load Failure
  Contains guidance about how to resolve PLK load failures.

Related Sections

• Reference.Package Sample (C#)
  Shows how to use managed code to attach a PLK to a VSPackage.

• Reference.Package Sample (C++)
  Shows how to use unmanaged code to attach a PLK to a VSPackage.

• Releasing a Visual Studio Integration Product
  Discusses how to prepare a VSPackage for final deployment.

• VSPackages
  VSPackages extend the IDE by providing UI elements, services, projects, editors, and designers.