Finding class descendants in Visual Studio 2010

Question

I am looking at an abstract class in Visual Studio 2010's object browser. I would like to find all classes that descend from this abstract class so I can choose the best one to implement in my application. I do not have the source code for this assembly, so I can't use the find in files feature.

Unfortunately, I can't seem to find out how to do this at all. Visual Studio docs and Google just return completely irrelevant articles, so either I'm using the wrong terminology or this feature simply doesn't exist.

The best advice I've received is "analyse the assembly with redgate reflector", but surely there has to be a better way.

Thank you for your time.

Answer 1

You can use the Solution Explorer for this purpose: 1) Find base class in the Solution Explores (you can use search line). 2) Right click on the base class in the Solution Explorer 3) Click "Derived Types"

To return to the main Solution Explorer view click "Home" button in the top of the Solution Explorer.

Answer 2

On the "Browse" dropdown box of the Object Browser select an item other than "My Solution" or "All Components".

For example select ".NET Framework 4" or ".NET Framework 4.5"

Answer 3

Install the Visual Studio Productivity Power Tools, then use its souped-up tooltip.

Answer 4

If you want to conveniently navigate through a class hierarchy you won't be happy with the plain vanilla Visual Studio. Resharper and (I believe) CodeRush offer such a functionality. For the latter one there is a express edition, which is free. You can install all of them as Visual Studio Add-In.