How to use .NET 3.0 with Visual Studio 2005?

Question

My Google-fu is failing me on this question.

I have a coworker who has Visual Studio 2005 on his machine. I have Visual Studio 2008. He wants to open a project I wrote in C# 3.0, and we've gotten that far, but VS2005 barfs on the 3.0 code, like var.

He has the 3.0 and 3.5 frameworks installed, as well as the Visual Studio 2005 Extensions for Windows Workflow. What else does he need? Or are we pursuing a lost cause, a wild goose chase spurred by my thinking that I heard this was possible somewhere one time?

Please don't suggest he install VS2008 or the Express edition. That simply isn't possible at this time. :(

Answer 1

So far as I understand it, this isn't possible. If you weren't using the new C# 3.0 code features, he should be able to work with a project created in VS2008 (and compile it against the 2.0 framework), but I don't think the 2005 compiler is ever going to be able to cope with the new syntax.

Answer 2

You can recreate the project file in vs2005 and then update the headers on the files to vs2005 and you are back in business. Have a look at Rick Strahls Blog for more details on how its done.

Also worth looking at the project converter in Visual Studio 2005/2008 Interoperability

You may also need the Visual Studio 2005 extensions for .Net 3.0 to be installed. WWF Extensions

Answer 3

The IDE itself may not support the 3.0 functionality. If you can live without the 3.0 features you can compile to 2.0 which he should be able to run ok.