Open-source implementation of C# and Visual Basic compilers with rich APIs for code analysis tools.
Roslyn is the open-source .NET Compiler Platform that implements the C# and Visual Basic programming languages. It provides not only traditional compilation but also a rich set of APIs that allow developers to analyze, understand, and manipulate source code programmatically. This transforms the compiler from a command-line tool into a platform for building advanced development tools.
.NET developers, tool builders, and IDE extension authors who need to perform deep code analysis, create custom refactorings, or build integrated development experiences. It is essential for anyone developing advanced tooling for the C# or Visual Basic ecosystems.
Developers choose Roslyn because it offers unprecedented access to the compiler's internal data structures and logic through a public API. This enables the creation of powerful, context-aware code analysis tools and IDE features that were previously difficult or impossible to build, all while being the official, production-grade compiler for .NET languages.
The Roslyn .NET compiler provides C# and Visual Basic languages with rich code analysis APIs.
Open-Awesome is built by the community, for the community. Submit a project, suggest an awesome list, or help improve the catalog on GitHub.
Roslyn exposes the entire compilation pipeline, including parsing, binding, and IL emission, as programmable APIs, enabling deep code analysis and manipulation as described in the README's key features.
It contains the complete, battle-tested implementations of C# and Visual Basic compilers, ensuring compatibility and performance, and serving as the engine for Visual Studio's IDE features like IntelliSense.
The project is supported by active GitHub Discussions, a Discord channel, and extensive documentation links, such as the Roslyn Architecture Overview, for developers to get started.
Continuous integration status badges show comprehensive testing across Windows and Unix, ensuring reliability and encouraging contributions with clear guidelines in the README.
Mastering Roslyn's APIs requires a deep understanding of compiler internals and .NET semantics, which can be daunting for developers new to code analysis tooling, as hinted by the detailed contributing guide.
While efficient for compilation, using Roslyn for real-time analysis in IDEs or custom tools can introduce latency, due to its comprehensive rather than lightweight design.
Contributing involves navigating detailed coding guidelines, development workflows, and API review processes, which might deter casual contributors despite the welcoming community.