Solution Explorer

In simple terms, the solution explorer displays the various files and folders included in our project. These files can be ASP.NET 2.0 web pages, simple HTML web pages, image files, database files and more. Folders are used to organize the files in groups.

However, we can do more with the solution explorer. We can add new files and folders, import existing files into the project, and preview the web pages in the browser to test them.

To view the solution explorer window, we need to move the mouse on the solution explorer tab in the IDE. The window will open up automatically on the right hand side of the IDE.

As we can see in the figure above, the name and path of our project is displayed at the top of the solution explorer. Under it appears the folders and files included in our project. At this point, there is nothing much except the Default.aspx page and a folder named App_Data. As we progress through this text, more files and folders will be added to our project and they will be listed here in the solution explorer.

Right clicking on the project name opens up a menu. This menu contains various options for adding new files and folders, adding existing files or folders, deleting files or folders etc. Similarly, right clicking on a file or folder also displays a menu with different options. We will learn about them as we work on our project.

Note: The default setting of VWD IDE uses the solution explorer window in `Auto Hide' mode. It means that when we move the mouse outside the solution explorer window, the window will hide. This is done to make more room for the workspace where we design the page or write the code. To make the solution explorer window visible again, we need to move the mouse on the solution explorer tab in the IDE.

However, if we want to view the solution explorer window permanently, we can use the Auto Hide button that looks like a pushpin, which is a toggle button. Clicking it once will make the window permanently visible. Clicking it again will change to auto hide mode.

This concept is also applicable to other IDE windows like the Database Explorer window, Properties window, Tool Box and the Error List window.