Bits of .NET

Debugging your code but accidentally stepping into framework methods like String.Format() or Linq internals? This wastes precious debugging time.

The Annoying Problem:

var users = GetUsers();
var result = users.Where(u => u.IsActive).ToList();  // Press F11 here

// Debugger jumps into:
// → Enumerable.cs (framework code)
// → Buffer.cs
// → List.cs
// You just wanted to debug YOUR code, not .NET internals!

The Quick Fix:

Tools → Options → Debugging → General

✅ Enable: “Enable Just My Code”

Now F11 skips framework code and only steps through YOUR code!

Why This Matters:
Without “Just My Code”, debugging a simple LINQ query can take you through 50+ framework files. With it enabled, you stay in your codebase. The performance difference is massive:

// Without Just My Code:
Step through 10 lines of your code = 120+ F11 presses (framework noise)
Time wasted: 5-10 minutes per debug session

// With Just My Code:
Step through 10 lines of your code = 10 F11 presses
Time saved: 90% of debugging time

Advanced: Exclude Specific Assemblies

Create a .vstconfig file in your solution:

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
<Configuration>
  <JustMyCode>
    <Exclude>
      <ModuleName>Newtonsoft.Json.dll</ModuleName>
      <ModuleName>EntityFramework.dll</ModuleName>
    </Exclude>
  </JustMyCode>
</Configuration>

This skips third-party libraries too!

Bonus Tip – Step Over Properties:

Tools → Options → Debugging → General
✅ Enable: “Step over properties and operators”

// Without this setting:
var name = user.FirstName;  // F11 steps INTO the property getter

// With this setting:
var name = user.FirstName;  // F11 goes to next line (skips property)

When You DO Want Framework Source:

Sometimes you need to debug framework code. Temporarily disable:

Debug → Options → Deselect “Enable Just My Code”

Or right-click in call stack → “Show External Code”

Performance Impact:
Typical debugging session before: 15 minutes stepping through noise
After enabling these settings: 3 minutes focused debugging
= 80% time savings!