How Can I Debug Custom Actions in WixSharp Using a Console Debugger?

Debugging WixSharp Custom Actions: A Practical Guide

WixSharp custom actions, compiled into .dll files, often require debugging. While directly altering the wixsharp.bin package isn't feasible, effective debugging strategies exist.

One effective method involves the System.Diagnostics.Debugger.Launch() method, strategically placed within a #if DEBUG block. This initiates debugging when the custom action executes, prompting you to attach a debugger (like Visual Studio). Remember to configure Visual Studio to attach to the appropriate process beforehand. Here's how:

<code class="language-csharp">[CustomAction]
public static ActionResult CustomAction(Session session)
{
#if DEBUG
    System.Diagnostics.Debugger.Launch();
#endif
    MessageBox.Show("Hello World!" + session[IISSessions.AppPoolName], "External Managed CA");
    return ActionResult.Success;
}</code>

Building the project in DEBUG mode and running the resulting .msi will trigger the debugger launch when the custom action is called during installation. This allows breakpoint debugging.

Another useful technique employs Debug.Assert(). These assertions check conditions within your custom action; failures trigger error messages, aiding in error identification and resolution.

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