How to Open Visual Studio Solution Using PowerShell
Introduction
Having the ability to open Visual Studio Solution from PowerShell is extremely useful. It can save you time and energy by allowing you to quickly launch the solution.
Fortunately, PowerShell makes this process easy and can automate it with relative ease. Let’s take a look at how to open Visual Studio solutions from PowerShell.
Solution
Opening Visual Studio Solution from PowerShell consists of two steps: first, you must locate the directory of the solution; second, you must use specific command (cmdlet) to launch the solution.
Using Start-Process
Once you are in PowerShell environment, you can type in Start-Process followed by the path of your solution file.
In this case, we are going to open solution file that is physically located at C:\Projects\Calculator\Calculator.sln, you would type following script into PowerShell.
Start-Process 'C:\Projects\Calculator\Calculator.sln'
The Start-Process command will open the solution immediately.
Using Invoke-Item
Another useful command is Invoke-Item which can also be used to open specific item from within PowerShell. To use this command, simply enter it followed by the path to solution file.
Invoke-Item 'C:\Projects\Calculator\Calculator.sln'
This will automatically launch Visual Studio Solution.
Using Call Operator (&)
Call Operator & can also be used to open solution file. The pattern is the same with previous example where the operator must be followed by the path to solution file.
& 'C:\Projects\Calculator\Calculator.sln'
Conclusion
Using Windows PowerShell commands makes opening Visual Studio Solution incredibly easy and efficient, just remember we can use Start-Process, Invoke-Item or Call Operator & command to open the solution.