Determine assembly version during a post-build event

Question

Let\'s say I wanted to create a static text file which ships with each release. I want the file to be updated with the version number of the release (as specified in A

Answer 1

If (1) you don't want to download or create a custom executable that retrieves the assembly version and (2) you don't mind editing the Visual Studio project file, then there is a simple solution that allows you to use a macro which looks like this:

@(Targets->'%(Version)')

@(VersionNumber)

To accomplish this, unload your project. If the project somewhere defines a property, cut it from the project and save it elsewhere temporarily (notepad?). Then at the very end of the project, just before the end-tag, place this:

  
    

  
  
    
  


  
    $(PostBuildEventDependsOn);
    PostBuildMacros;
      
  echo HELLO, THE ASSEMBLY VERSION IS: @(VersionNumber)

This snippet has an example already in it. No worries, you can reset it to your real post-build event after you have re-loaded the project.

Now as promised, the assembly version is available to your post build event with this macro:

@(VersionNumber)

Done!