My favorite Code Generator just got a huge upgrade... 

A New site and a new release.

Ever wanted more time to get a project done?  This tool has saved me so much time in the last year.  After you get your templates generating your code the way you like, CodeSmith 3.0 will practically make time for you.  CodeSmith 2.6 has paid for itself many times over, and I expect that CodeSmith 3.0 will continue this trend.

Some things I like about CodeSmith 3.0:

XML Properties


  • Generate and XSD that defines your structure, and add the property attribute to your template.  The property grid will let you pick an xml file to populate the property.  You can now create your own metadata.  Create your own mapping scheme they way you want it.

Code Completion


  • One of the hardest things to pick up with CodeSmith is how powerful the Schema Explorer is.  It was documented in 2.6, but with Code Completion, the learning curve is ¼ what it was in CodeSmith 2.6

Built In Merge Strategies


  • If you are not using Active Generation1, but want more automation than Passive Generation2 can give you, then Merge Strategies are your ticket.  Specify regions in your code that are either replaced when the CodeSmith console is run, or are preserved. Either way, it allows the developer the freedom to blend Passive and Active code generation for the ultimate in "Your Code, Your Way"

CodeSmith 3.0 is well worth purchasing at twice the price.  Eric Smith doesn't know what he has.  He has really taken a good tool and made it great.


1Active Generation = The developer will not edit the code generated with the intention of re-generating the code when changes are needed
2Passive Generation = The developer may edit the code generated with no intentions of re-generating if changes are needed. Changes will be made by hand