If you create software development tools, you’ll want to consider building on the Visual Studio Shell. A streamlined Visual Studio development environment, the Visual Studio Shell provides the core foundation so you can focus on building your application’s unique features. Flexible customization options help you deliver optimized experiences for specific markets.
Key Benefits
- Faster development. The Visual Studio Shell accelerates development by providing a base integrated development environment that can host custom tools and programming languages.
- A familiar environment. Developers can build on the Visual Studio platform and provide end users a familiar user interface, speeding the learning curve for both.
- Optimized for languages and tools. Created in response to requests from our partners, the Visual Studio Shell gives you the option of integrating your tools with Visual Studio or creating an isolated, custom-branded application.
Visual Studio Shell (integrated mode) Optimized for Programming Languages Applications built on the integrated Shell will automatically merge with any other editions of Visual Studio installed on the same machine. This is the Visual Studio Shell (integrated mode) running Iron Python. .jpg)
Click here to zoom image | Visual Studio Shell (isolated mode) Optimized for Specialized Tools Applications built with the isolated Shell will run side-by-side with any other editions of Visual Studio installed on the same machine. This storyboard sample is built on the Visual Studio Shell (isolated mode). .jpg)
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Get Started
To begin developing and testing your own Shell instance, download the Visual Studio 2008 SDK and the Visual Studio 2008 Shell (Integrated Mode) or Visual Studio 2008 Shell (Isolated Mode) runtime. The SDK contains everything you need to build packages for the Visual Studio Shell, as well as basic documentation to help you get started. For more information on features, customization points, and how-to resources, read the Getting Started with Shell-Based Applications page.
FAQ
Q: How much will the Visual Studio Shell cost?
The Visual Studio Shell is freely available as part of the Visual Studio SDK. Visual Studio Shell is royalty-free for building and deploying applications.
Q: How do I build on the Visual Studio Shell?
The Visual Studio SDK contains basic documentation to help you get started integrating your products into the Visual Studio Shell. Developers who want a deeper technical relationship with Microsoft can also join the Visual Studio Industry Partner (VSIP) program for more focused development assistance.
Q: Can you explain the integrated mode and the isolated mode?
The integrated mode installs into the same application environment as Visual Studio, enabling developers to use the premium tools of Visual Studio alongside their custom tools. The isolated mode allows partners to create a unique application instance, isolated from other versions of Visual Studio installed on the machine. To fit the common usage scenarios of our partners, the integrated mode enables developers to build on the look and feel of Visual Studio, while the isolated mode provides the option to custom brand the application.
Q: I’m interested in using the Visual Studio Shell. How can I find more information?
Find additional news and information about the Visual Studio Shell on the VSX Developer Center. To inquire about using the Visual Studio Shell in your next application, contact vsipinfo@microsoft.com