Build Insights now integrated with Visual Studio 2022

Build Insights, which provides critical information about a development environment, is now integrated with Visual Studio 2022 17.7 Preview 2. This feature allows build analytics to be viewed within Visual Studio, making it easier to optimize build times for large projects like AAA games.

Getting Started with Build Insights

Build Insights integration is enabled by default in the Visual Studio Installer. To capture a trace, select Build from the top menu, followed by either Run Build Insights on Solution, Run Build Insights on [Project_Name], or Run Build Insights on Selection.

Parsing Insights with Included Files View

The Included Files View provides insight into how each file contributes to the overall build time by showing the number of times it's parsed. Using this information, developers can optimize files to improve build times.

Diving Deeper with Included Tree View

The Included Tree View displays the hierarchy of #included files in the trace. This allows developers to see a clear view of the project's structure and highlight potential areas for improvement.

Known Issues

Two current issues have been identified, and Microsoft is working to resolve them in upcoming Visual Studio previews. These include incorrect flame icons appearing for certain projects and an empty project column.

Feedback

Developers are encouraged to provide feedback and suggestions for additional capabilities they would like to see in Build Insights. Bugs and issues can be submitted through Visual Studio Feedback.