Optimizing Large Solution Performance with Solution Filter Files

Oct 13, 2025 by thesweetdesigns.com 107 views

Optimizing Large Solution Performance with Solution Filter Files

When working with large solutions in Stride Game Studio, developers often encounter performance issues due to the loading of unnecessary projects. This can lead to increased memory usage, slower load times, and incorrect visual indicators in the asset view. In this article, we will explore the benefits of implementing solution filter files (*.slnf) support in Stride Game Studio, enabling users to open only the necessary projects as a subset of the complete solution.

The Problem with Large Solutions

Opening a large solution in Stride Game Studio can be a daunting task, especially when dealing with multiple projects. The current behavior of loading all projects, including unit test projects and non-game executables, can result in:

Unnecessary load times: The longer it takes to load the solution, the more time-consuming it becomes to start working on a project.
Increased memory usage: Loading unnecessary projects can consume a significant amount of memory, leading to performance issues and potential crashes.
Incorrect visual indicators: Non-game projects, such as unit test projects, can be incorrectly set as startup projects, causing confusion and making it difficult to identify the correct project.

**The Solution: Solution Filter Files (`*.slnf`)***

Solution filter files (*.slnf) are a feature in Visual Studio that allows users to create a subset of a solution, including only the necessary projects. By supporting solution filter files in Stride Game Studio, developers can:

Improve load performance: Only the projects specified in the .slnf file are loaded, reducing memory usage and load time.
Prevent unwanted projects: Unit test projects and other non-game executables are excluded from the solution, preventing incorrect visual indicators and improving overall performance.

Expected Behavior

To achieve the desired outcome, Stride Game Studio should support opening .slnf files just like .sln files. When opening a .slnf file, only the projects listed in it should be loaded, reducing memory usage and load time.

Alternatives Considered

While there are workarounds for the current issue, they come with their own set of challenges:

Manually setting the startup project: This is a tedious process, especially when frequently switching between game studio and Visual Studio or often restarting the game studio to refresh scripts.
Using separate solution files (*.sln): Creating a secondary .sln file containing only the relevant projects is a cumbersome process, as any new project additions must be manually synchronized.

Use Cases

The solution filter file feature is particularly beneficial for:

Developers working on large solutions: Containing both game-related and non-game-related projects.
Teams using unit tests: That should not be loaded in Stride Game Studio.
Optimizing memory usage and load performance: By excluding unnecessary projects.
Selecting the correct startup project: When opening the game studio, it is necessary to have only one executable project loaded.

Editor Behavior

To implement solution filter file support, the editor should:

Allow .slnf files to be opened: Just like .sln files.
Load only the projects listed in the .slnf file: When opening a .slnf file, only the projects specified in it should be loaded.

Components Involved

The implementation of solution filter file support involves the following components:

Project loading mechanism in Stride Game Studio: Especially the Stride.Core.Assets project.
Launcher: Must list the last opened sln and slnf-files.

**Frequently Asked Questions about Solution Filter Files (`*.slnf`)***

In our previous article, we explored the benefits of implementing solution filter files (*.slnf) support in Stride Game Studio. In this Q&A article, we will address some of the most common questions and concerns about solution filter files.

**Q: What are solution filter files (`*.slnf`)?**

A: Solution filter files (*.slnf) are a feature in Visual Studio that allows users to create a subset of a solution, including only the necessary projects. This feature enables developers to improve load performance, prevent unwanted projects, and optimize memory usage.

**Q: How do solution filter files (`*.slnf`) work?**

A: When a solution filter file (*.slnf) is opened in Stride Game Studio, only the projects listed in it are loaded. This reduces memory usage and load time, making it easier to work on large solutions.

**Q: What are the benefits of using solution filter files (`*.slnf`)?**

A: The benefits of using solution filter files (*.slnf) include:

Improved load performance: Only the necessary projects are loaded, reducing memory usage and load time.
Prevention of unwanted projects: Unit test projects and other non-game executables are excluded from the solution, preventing incorrect visual indicators and improving overall performance.
Optimized memory usage: Solution filter files enable developers to exclude unnecessary projects, reducing memory usage and improving overall performance.

**Q: Can I use solution filter files (`*.slnf`) with existing solutions?**

A: Yes, solution filter files (*.slnf) can be used with existing solutions. Developers can create a solution filter file (*.slnf) that includes only the necessary projects, and then open it in Stride Game Studio.

**Q: How do I create a solution filter file (`*.slnf`)?**

A: To create a solution filter file (*.slnf), follow these steps:

Open the solution in Visual Studio.
Go to File > Save As.
Select Solution Filter File (*.slnf) as the file type.
Save the file with a name that includes the .slnf extension.

**Q: Can I open a solution filter file (`*.slnf`) in Stride Game Studio?**

A: Yes, solution filter files (*.slnf) can be opened in Stride Game Studio. When a solution filter file (*.slnf) is opened, only the projects listed in it are loaded.

**Q: What are the system requirements for solution filter files (`*.slnf`)?**

A: The system requirements for solution filter files (*.slnf) are:

Stride Game Studio: Version 1.0 or later.
Visual Studio: Version 2019 or later.
Operating System: Windows 10 or later.

**Q: Can I use solution filter files (`*.slnf`) with other development tools?**

A: Yes, solution filter files (*.slnf) can be used with other development tools. However, the compatibility may vary depending on the tool and the version of Stride Game Studio being used.

**Q: How do I troubleshoot issues with solution filter files (`*.slnf`)?**

A: To troubleshoot issues with solution filter files (*.slnf), follow these steps:

Check the file format: Ensure that the solution filter file (*.slnf) is in the correct format.
Verify the project list: Check that the projects listed in the solution filter file (*.slnf) are correct.
Check the Stride Game Studio version: Ensure that the version of Stride Game Studio being used is compatible with solution filter files (*.slnf).

By addressing these common questions and concerns, we hope to provide a better understanding of solution filter files (*.slnf) and their benefits in Stride Game Studio.