Visual Studio 2010 Visualization and Modeling Feature Pack

Microsoft have recently released the VS2010 Visualization and Modeling Feature Pack which brings excellent new capabilities to Dev10.  I had blogged previously about the modelling features in Dev10 and was disappointed that there was no capability to generate code from the UML class diagrams.  Thats now been addressed in this first feature back release:

• Generate code from UML class diagrams
  Generates C# code directy from a UML class diagram using text templates.  The generated code can be customised by editing the templates.
   
• Create UML class diagrams from code
  A simple drag and drop will create a UML class diagram from your existing code.
   
• Import UML class, sequence, and use case elements from XMI
  XMI (XML Metamodel Interchange) is a standardised XML format which describes UML models.  This format allows the interchange of UML models between different software packages.  Currently there is only support for importing XMI and the export functionality will follow in a future feature pack/power toy.
   
• Create and view links from work items to model elements
  If you're using TFS this could be useful for work item tracking.
   
• Generate dependency graphs for ASP.NET Web, C, and C++ projects
  The ASP.Net web dependency graph will be useful, and I'm sure C/C++ folks will now be happy to be included.
   
• Create and validate layer diagrams for C and C++ code
  Again, I'm sure C/C++ devs will be happy to have this feature available to them.
   
• Write custom code to create, modify, and validate layer diagrams
  I can see layer diagram extensibility being useful to some architects.  You can now write and deploy (VSIX) code to customise how layer diagram are used.

The concept of feature packs is slightly different to that of the power tools that we've got used to.  A feature pack has more carefully chosen features and is fully tested and supported.  Feature packs will also be rolled into future releases of the product whereas power tools(toys) were a more ad hoc.

This feature pack is available for download for MSDN subscribers (Visual Studio Ultimate with MSDN) and you can find out more here.