How to install MappingGenerator in VSCode?

Install it as a NuGet package or follow the instruction to use the VSIX with Omnisharp, as linked in the README. This involves configuring Roslyn refactorings for C# development in VSCode.

MappingGenerator vs AutoMapper: which is better for my project?

Use MappingGenerator if you prefer explicit, debuggable code and want to avoid runtime reflection overhead. Choose AutoMapper for dynamic, configuration-based mappings or when you need runtime flexibility and don't mind performance trade-offs.

Can MappingGenerator handle nested object mappings or collections?

Yes, it supports complex mappings including nested objects, collections, and flattening, as demonstrated in the README examples for mapping complex properties and using Select with ToList.

Is MappingGenerator free to use after it was archived?

No, the open-source version is discontinued; you need to purchase a commercial license from the official website for ongoing use, though past contributors might receive free licenses as noted.

How to fix Resharper conflicts with MappingGenerator?

Adjust Resharper settings for Visual Studio integration or code analysis to allow Roslyn refactoring menus (Ctrl+.). The README includes a screenshot and references issue #50 for troubleshooting.

What mapping rules does MappingGenerator not support?

It may not cover edge cases like custom type converters or complex conditional logic without manual code additions. The README shows standard rules but admits limitations in dynamic scenarios.

Mapping Generator

MITC#1.22.3

A Roslyn-based Visual Studio extension that generates object-to-object mapping code at design time, similar to AutoMapper.

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What is Mapping Generator?

MappingGenerator is a Roslyn-based code fix provider that generates object-to-object mapping code at design time within .NET IDEs. It automates the creation of explicit mapping methods, constructors, and initialization blocks, solving the problem of tedious and error-prone manual mapping while avoiding the runtime costs of reflection-based tools.

Target Audience

.NET developers working in Visual Studio, JetBrains Rider, or VSCode who need to map between DTOs, entities, or other object types frequently and prefer explicit, debuggable code over runtime mapping.

Value Proposition

Developers choose MappingGenerator because it provides the convenience of AutoMapper-like automation without runtime reflection overhead, generating clean, type-safe C# code directly in the editor that is easy to debug, refactor, and understand.

Overview

:arrows_counterclockwise: "AutoMapper" like, Roslyn based, code fix provider that allows to generate mapping code in design time.

Use Cases

Best For

Generating mapping code between DTOs and domain entities in .NET applications

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Fixing C# compiler errors related to type conversions quickly

Scaffolding object initialization blocks from existing variables

Creating explicit mapping methods without runtime reflection overhead

Automating updates between objects with void update methods

Building mapping constructors that transform one object type to another

Not Ideal For

Projects requiring free, open-source tools with active community maintenance and updates
Teams needing runtime mapping for dynamic or configuration-based scenarios (e.g., conditional mappings resolved at runtime)
Environments with strict policies against commercial software or IDE extensions
Use cases involving highly complex or custom mapping logic beyond standard property-to-property rules

Pros & Cons

Pros

Explicit Code Generation

Generates clean, debuggable C# mapping code directly in the IDE, as shown in GIFs for pure mapping methods and constructors, eliminating manual boilerplate.

Type Safety and Performance

Produces compile-time code without reflection overhead, ensuring type safety and better performance compared to runtime mappers like AutoMapper, per the project's motivation.

Multi-IDE Support

Works in Visual Studio, JetBrains Rider, and VSCode via extensions or NuGet packages, offering flexibility across popular .NET development environments.

Compiler Error Fixes

Provides quick fixes for C# errors like CS0029 and CS0266 by generating conversion code, speeding up debugging and reducing manual intervention.

Cons

Commercial Licensing Required

The free open-source version is archived and discontinued; continued use requires purchasing a commercial license, which may be a barrier for open-source or budget-limited projects.

Resharper Integration Hassles

Users with Resharper may face conflicts, requiring manual settings adjustments to enable Roslyn refactoring menus, as noted in the README with a screenshot and issue reference.

Design-Time Only

Generates code only at design time, so it cannot handle dynamic mapping scenarios that runtime mappers support, such as configuration-based mappings or runtime type resolution.

Open Source Alternative To

Mapping Generator is an open-source alternative to the following products:

A

AutoMapper

Frequently Asked Questions

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