Inspecting XAML in Windows 8 Store Apps / VS2012

Question

I'm looking for a way to inspect running XAML in a Windows 8 store app. Essentially, I want firebug / chrome inspector style functionality where I can look at the XAML source generated at runtime, to debug simple layout and style issues.

I've tried Snoop, Pistachio and WPF Inspector but none work for Windows Store apps. The only one I can find which seems to work for Store apps is XAML Spy, which is €90. I can't justify that cost.

Is there any other way to inspect running XAML?

Answer 1

WinRT XAML Toolkit now has an actual visual - visual tree debugger.

Get it from NuGet: nuget.org/packages/winrtxamltoolkit.Debugging then call WinRTXamlToolkit.Debugging.DC.ShowVisualTree() to display the debugger tool inside of your app. It's the third option so now you can use

• the WinRTXAMLToolkit.Debugging.VisualTreeDebugger class - that enables you to debug the tree in your Visual Studio
• XAML Spy - which is a great commercial visual tree debugger that runs in a separate window
• and now this visual tree debugger in the WinRT XAML Toolkit that works inside of your app.