VS 2010 - Always execute pre-build event

Question

In my solution I have a project with an attached pre-build event to check if certain files need to be regenerated. This all works fine if something changed in the project (or dependent projects). However, if nothing changed the pre-build event is not triggered.

Is there a way to run the pre-build event everytime VS tries to build a project (even if it is clean from a code file standpoint)?

Alternatively, is there any other way to run a script first before building a project so that I can regenerate my files first?

The point is, build doesn't even start if there are no code changes, so build events never have a chance to execute. — Panagiotis Kanavos, Nov 22 '13 at 09:29
I'd also be interested in alternative solutions. Question edited. — Mike Lischke, Nov 22 '13 at 09:32
You could use `makefile project` [(msdn)](http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/vstudio/txcwa2xx.aspx). It allows to run any commands on `build`, `rebuild` and `clean` — Evgeny Timoshenko, Nov 22 '13 at 09:37
makefile project is no option, this is a big VS solution with almost 60 project, integrated into CI builds and all that. I need a solution on project level. — Mike Lischke, Nov 22 '13 at 09:41
[For cpp projects you can use custom build steps](http://stackoverflow.com/questions/1937702/visual-studio-run-c-project-post-build-event-even-if-project-is-up-to-date). Do you need it for other project types? — Evgeny Timoshenko, Nov 22 '13 at 10:17
Johny, can you post your comment as answer? A custom build for the source file from which the other files are generated is indeed the right solution. — Mike Lischke, Nov 29 '13 at 08:51
@johny, do you want the points for your hint? Then please post it as answer. — Mike Lischke, Dec 09 '13 at 09:04

score 3 · Accepted Answer · edited May 23 '17 at 12:13

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For a Visual C++ project you may specify Command Line in the Custom build step (Configuration Properties - Custom build step) and leave the field Outputs empty. It will be executed even if the project has no changes.

Here is the similar question.

edited May 23 '17 at 12:13

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answered Dec 09 '13 at 09:10

Evgeny Timoshenko

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As of VS2019 this no longer works. Visual studio issues a warning "No outputs specified for item "...". Its custom build command will be skipped." Edit: just realized this answer was for custom build step, not custom build tool. I haven't tried custom build tools. – Eddie Parker Jan 14 '20 at 13:29
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Amending my previous comment further: looks like there's a setting to "Verify Inputs and Outputs Exist" that you can disable to get the above working. – Eddie Parker Jan 14 '20 at 13:47

VS 2010 - Always execute pre-build event

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