Microsoft has presented a preview of Visual Studio 2022, bringing the platform to v17.12, and featuring .NET 9. The new iteration aims to enhance developer workflow, streamline cloud deployments, and boost AI integration, specifically targeting those working on cloud-native and intelligent applications.
.NET 9 Integration
Having been accessible for public use since February 2024, .NET 9 incorporates new tools for cloud-based projects and AI functionalities. Visual Studio 2022 v17.12 now includes full support for .NET 9, simplifying the process for developers focused on cloud and AI initiatives. According to Microsoft's blog post, the new version offers comprehensive .NET 9 development support.
Updates to the GitHub Copilot AI, specially designed for this iteration of Visual Studio, promise improved and context-aware code suggestions. The enhancement is geared toward improving the coding environment by using additional context for more accurate code generation.
Microsoft brought Copilot support to Visual Studio in March. Developers can leverage the power of AI to generate draft descriptions for pull requests, outlining the changes made, thereby easing the review process for peers.
Furthermore, an “Explain Commit” feature has been introduced, allowing for a detailed summary of individual commits, accessible through the Commit Details pane in the Git Repository window. Both features necessitate a GitHub Copilot subscription along with the installation of the GitHub Copilot Chat Extension for Visual Studio.
Support for JavaScript, TypeScript, and More
The preview also comes with support for Vitest in JavaScript and TypeScript, along with Inlay Hints for JavaScript, TypeScript, Python, and Razor. These features are additions in Microsoft's ongoing goal of elevating developer experiences with .NET and ASP.NET projects.
Developers interested in trying out the new features can download the preview from Microsoft's official site or update from within the IDE itself. Microsoft invites feedback and issue reports through the Developer Community but advises against using this preview for production purposes because some extensions or workloads may lack compatibility.
Detailed release notes for Visual Studio 2022 v17.12 enumerate all new features and improvements. The update is particularly geared toward developers working on AI-driven and cloud-native projects, providing enhancements aimed at increasing productivity and optimizing development workflows.
