As a developer, you know that increasing productivity is key to completing projects efficiently. One often-overlooked tool in Visual Studio is code snippets – pre-written pieces of code that can be inserted into your project with just a few keystrokes. In this article, we'll explore the benefits and best practices for using code snippets in Xamarin.Forms development.

The Power of Code Snippets

Code snippets are XML files that contain predefined code templates. By utilizing these snippets correctly, you can reduce the amount of boilerplate code you write and focus on more complex tasks. With a vast library of built-in snippets available in Visual Studio, you can quickly generate common code patterns, such as constructors, bindable properties, and INotifyPropertyChanged implementations.

Creating Code Snippets

To create your own custom code snippets, navigate to Visual Studio > Preferences > Code Snippets. You'll find a list of existing snippets that you can use as inspiration for creating your own. A snippet has several parts that require setup:

  • Shortcut: the keyword to type when requesting this snippet
  • Group: the language this snippet is used in (e.g., C#, XAML, etc.)
  • Description: a short description of what this snippet will generate
  • Mime: to support the language in the group
  • Is expandable template: Will expand from the point of insertion (cursor)
  • Is surround with template: If this template will surround the selected code/text
  • Template Text: code snippet goes in this area

C# Examples

Here are some essential C# code snippets for Xamarin.Forms development:

  1. Constructors

Use this snippet to quickly generate constructors that accept services or parameters:

`csharp

public SomeClass(IServiceA serviceA, IServiceB serviceB) {}

`

or

`csharp

public SomeClass(I$service$ $service$) : base ($service$) {}

`

  1. Bindable Properties

This snippet creates a bindable property with getter and setter methods:

`csharp

public static BindableProperty $some$Property = BindableProperty.Create(nameof($some$), typeof($type$), typeof($classname$));

public $type$ $some$

{

get { return ($type$) GetValue($some$Property); }

set { SetValue($some$Property, value); }

}

`

  1. INotifyPropertyChanged

Use this snippet to quickly generate INotifyPropertyChanged implementations:

`csharp

private $type$ $fieldName$;

public $type$ $propertyName$

{

get { return $fieldName$; }

set

{

$fieldName$ = value;

OnPropertyChanged(nameof($propertyName));

}

}

`

XAML Examples

Here are some essential XAML code snippets for Xamarin.Forms development:

  1. Grid

Use this snippet to quickly generate a new Grid with RowDefinitions and ColumnDefinitions:

`xml

`

  1. StackLayout

Use this snippet to quickly generate a new StackLayout:

`xml

$selected$$end$

`

  1. Resource Dictionary and Styles

This snippet creates a ResourceDictionary with styles, converters, and individual Style templates:

`xml

`

  1. Toolbar

Use this snippet to quickly generate a new Toolbar:

`xml

$end$

`

By incorporating these essential code snippets into your Xamarin.Forms development workflow, you'll be able to work more efficiently and focus on the complexities of building a robust mobile app.