Easier way to debug a Windows service

Question

Is there an easier way to step through the code than to start the service through the Windows Service Control Manager and then attaching the debugger to the thread? It\'s ki

Answer 1

Use the TopShelf library.

Create a console application then configure setup in your Main

class Program
    {
        static void Main(string[] args)
        {
            HostFactory.Run(x =>
            {

                // setup service start and stop.
                x.Service(s =>
                {
                    s.ConstructUsing(name => new Controller());
                    s.WhenStarted(controller => controller.Start());
                    s.WhenStopped(controller => controller.Stop());
                });

                // setup recovery here
                x.EnableServiceRecovery(rc =>
                {
                    rc.RestartService(delayInMinutes: 0);
                    rc.SetResetPeriod(days: 0);
                });

                x.RunAsLocalSystem();
            });
        }
}

public class Controller
    {
        public void Start()
        {

        }

        public void Stop()
        {

        }
    }

To debug your service, just hit F5 in visual studio.

To install service, type in cmd "console.exe install"

You can then start and stop service in the windows service manager.