I want to debug (set a breakpoint in) System.Web.Mvc.DefaultControllerFactory, is that possible?

Question

I have a project that references the System.Web.Mvc assembly in the GAC. I also have the ASP.NET MVC source code from Codeplex. I want to get a better understanding of the DefaultControllerFactory by stepping through its methods. How could I set this up?

Thanks!

Answer 1

1. Compile the MVC code.
2. Uninstall the MVC (To make sure you don't debug the retail bits)
3. Use the assembly that you compiled, instead of the retail.

Answer 2

If you do download the MVC source files from Codeplex, I've written a step by step guide on how to debug the System.Web.Mvc assembly, which you may find useful.

Answer 3

Your assemblies may be compiled in Release even if the Solution Configuratin drop down says Debug. It also may be that w3p.exe loaded your release assemblies.

1 -Use the Build->Configuration manager feature and make sure all of the project configurations are Debug. 2 - Build Clean 3 - Rebuild Solution 4 - iisreset (unloads Release assemblies if they're loaded) 5 - Invoke a page 6 - Attach process

hopefully the solid red circles show up now - best of luck