Is it possible to add items to ErrorList Window from an Add-in?

Question

EnvDTE80.ErrorItems interface does not expose something like add() method, and I've seen an article in this forum that it is impossible to parse strings to the ErrorList window using that ErrorItems interface.

Then is it impossible to add items to ErrorList Window from an Add-in?

Answer 1

Hi,

The following method can be used to output text to the build output window and the error list simultaneously (as either an error or a warning) in both VS 2005 and 2008:

OutputWindowPane.OutputTaskItemString Method
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/envdte.outputwindowpane.outputtaskitemstring.aspx

Usage example: 

VSEnvironmentBuildTrace.cs (uses OutputTaskItemString method)
http://www.codeplex.com/DocProject/SourceControl/FileView.aspx?itemId=454155&changeSetId=34004

VSEnvironmentHost.cs (defines BuildOutput property)
http://www.codeplex.com/DocProject/SourceControl/FileView.aspx?itemId=454156&changeSetId=34004

- Dave

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http://davesexton.com/blog

Answer 2

While an add-in can add tasks to the Task List using the automation model (EnvDTE) it can't add errors to the Error List in VS 2005/2008. You need an to implement an ErrorProvider, and I have been unable to implement one inside an add-in, because you need some services that only SDK packages can provide.

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MZ-Tools: Productivity add-ins for Visual Studio: http://www.mztools.com

Answer 3

Hi Carlos,

My implementation works fine in 2005 and 2008.  It adds either errors or warnings to the Error List, not the Task List, despite the name of the method that I'm using.  Just don't forget to call ForceItemsToTaskList.

- Dave

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http://davesexton.com/blog

Answer 4

Thanks! It works :)

Answer 5

Some relevant link to video that might be helpful for those of forum members who're interested in interacting with ErrorList and TaskList:

How Do I: Iterate Through the Items in the Visual Studio Task List?
How Do I: Integrate with the Error List?

Hope that helps,

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Dmitry [dimaka] Pavlov