Custom Compiler Warnings

Question

When using the ObsoleteAtribute in .Net it gives you compiler warnings telling you that the object/method/property is obsolete and somthing else should be used. I'm currently working on a project that requires a lot of refactoring an ex-employees code. I want to write a custom attribute that I can use to mark methods or properties that will generate compiler warnings that give messages that I write. Something like this

[MyAttribute("This code sux and should be looked at")]
public void DoEverything()
{
}

<MyAttribute("This code sux and should be looked at")>
Public Sub DoEverything()
End Sub

I want this to generate a compiler warning that says, "This code sux and should be looked at". I know how to create a custom attribute, the question is how do I cause it to generate compiler warnings in visual studio.

Answer 1

This is worth a try.

You can't extend Obsolete, because it's final, but maybe you can create your own attribute, and mark that class as obsolete like this:

[Obsolete("Should be refactored")]
public class MustRefactor: System.Attribute{}

Then when you mark your methods with the "MustRefactor" attribute, the compile warnings will show. It generates a compile time warning, but the error message looks funny, you should see it for yourself and choose. This is very close to what you wanted to achieve.

UPDATE: With this code It generates a warning (not very nice, but I don't think there's something better).

public class User
{
    private String userName;

    [TooManyArgs] // Will show warning: Try removing some arguments
    public User(String userName)
    {
        this.userName = userName;   
    }

    public String UserName
    {
        get { return userName; }
    }
    [MustRefactor] // will show warning: Refactor is needed Here
    public override string ToString()
    {
        return "User: " + userName;
    }
}
[Obsolete("Refactor is needed Here")]
public class MustRefactor : System.Attribute
{

}
[Obsolete("Try removing some arguments")]
public class TooManyArgs : System.Attribute
{

}