File extension .SLN
| Full Name | Developer | Category |
|---|---|---|
| Microsoft Visual Studio Solution Format | Microsoft | Developer Files |
The SLN (Visual Studio .sln) file extension, also known as a Solution File, is part of the Microsoft Visual Studio development platform used by software engineers to create console-based, graphical, and/or web development programs. The file contains information on the structure of the solution or program including data on what files are part of the program, which IDE (Integrated Development Environment) configuration settings were used for the program, and other pieces of necessary information for the Visual Studio program to correctly execute the solution.
Solution Structure
The SLN file is divided into several distinct sections. The first section contains metadata in an XML format that includes information such as a version number, the signature of the .NET Framework that is being used to develop the solution, and other pertinent tech information. The next section outlines the C# or other programing language source code files that are part of the solution. Finally, project-level settings like language culture and startup object are detailed in a following section. The latter sections will contain basic data about the project such as target version, project type, and configuration type. Other similar file extensions include .vcxproj, .csproj, and .vbproj.
Compiler Interpretation
The Visual Studio MSBuild compiler interprets the data within the SLN file at compile time. It uses this data to form a directed acyclic graph of item groups which contain individual items with references to item metadata expected by specific MSBuild targets like ‘Csc’ anc ‘Vbc’. The directed acyclic graph created by MSBuild enables it to quickly identify which items need to be compiled; it will skip those items which have already been compiled while tracking dependencies between projects and items.
Supported Formats
The Solution File was first introduced with Visual Studio for Windows in 2005 as part of the revolutionary new.NET platform. Over time additional features have been added with later version of Visual Studio initially for Windows but more recently cross-platform support has been added enabling developers to create solutions for other operating systems like macOS and iOS.
Programs for WINDOWS system
Programs for MAC system
Programs for LINUX system
After installing the required software, the operating system will usually automatically associate an unknown file type (in this case .SLN) with the new application. If this does not happen, we can help the system a bit by selecting the software for it, which it should always use to open files with the .SLN extension.
When choosing the software we can select the system to use this software every time.
Remember!
Using it for the first time it is good to check whether the .SLN file opened in the application can be read by us and opens in a way that allows us to use it. If everything is in order, select this option the next time you open a file with the .SLN extension. However, if the file has not opened correctly, we have to look for a different software, with which we can open files with the .SLN extension. Select a different software from our list and install it on your computer. After the software is installed, repeat inspection openings of a .SLN file. Sometimes you have to repeat the operation several times.
Other instructions
If none of the programs listed by us to work with the .SLN file has not meet your expectations, you can try searching other websites. But remember to avoid downloading programs "that can open any file". These applications not only have very limited functionality, but may also expose you to expense tens of dollars when purchasing a license.
In the vast majority of cases you will find the program dedicated to support the .SLN file, or any other file format. In addition, there is a chance that it will be a free program, and its functionality (concerning the .SLN file) will be extended to the maximum.
It is also good to check
- if the .SLN file has no errors
- or if it has been copied (or downloaded by the browser) thoroughly
Author’s guidelines
Mr B. Adam
Author of the guidelines / Founder of FileExtension.info
New technologies enthusiast, helping to solve problems with the files.
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