Validate SSIS Scripts Before Closing the VSTA Window

I love learning new stuff!

I’m blessed to work with a talented group of individuals at Linchpin People. We often work together in teams and I have to admit, I cherish those times. One reason is I learn something new. Every. single. time.

For years, I’ve validated SSIS Script Task code by searching for red and blue squiggly lines before closing the VSTA window:

With a small amount of scripting, the squiggle-search is a fine method for catching typos and similar errors. For larger amounts of code, though, this could take time and one could easily overlook a typo or squiggle.

I learned a neat trick while pair programming with Kevin Hazzard (Metaprogramming in .Net | @kevinhazzard): I can execute a Build before leaving the VSTA window and test the viability of the code.

From the VSTA window dropdown, click BUILD and then Build <VSTA Project Name>:

If there are errors (and there are a couple errors in my string variable declaration above), they will appear in the Error window:

If there are no errors or after I have corrected all errors, the build will succeed and I will see a note in the lower left corner of the VSTA window: