How do I pass this common property to MSBuild using TeamCity?

Question

I am using the TeamCity Visual Studio runner. I want to add a setting that is not accessible from Visual Studio.

/Property:FileAlignment=4096

I typed that directly into the build step "Command line parameters." The build log shows the error:

MSBuild command line parameters contains "/property:" or "/p:" parameters. Please use Build Parameters instead.

I don't understand how to provide this to MSBuild from TeamCity and get rid of this warning!

1. Which kind of parameter should I use?

There are 3 kinds:

• Configuration parameters
• System properties
• Environment variables.

I don't want an environment or system variable because I don't want this build to depend on anything external. I am going to try Config right now, but then I'm not sure I'm filling it in right.

2. How can I tell this parameter is actually getting used?

The build log, which seems only to have navigable/foldable xml-like levels with their program, did not say the build parameters.

Answer 1

You should use "System properties". Don't worry about the name, that's just how TeamCity calls it. They are regular properties. You can add them in "Edit Configuration Settings > 7. Build Parameters".

For example, you can add the system property as follows:

Name: system.FileAlignment

Type: System property (system.)

Value: 4096

Note that TeamCity will insist on the "system." prefix. It doesn't matter because the MSBuild script will still see it as $(FileAlignment).