VS Code: Uno Platform plugin doesn't work with .slnx or solutionless projects

[gingters]

Current behavior

I work on Mac with VS Code. When I open a .slnx file, with an Uno project contained, the Uno Platform plugin won't open my Uno project. I also can't start the iOS / Android debuggers.

Expected behavior

When I open a solution in .slnx format, or even a solutionless workspace (where the C# Devkit generates a temporary in-memory solution), I should be able to open the project nevertheless.

Which tool(s) are affected?

No response

How to reproduce it (as minimally and precisely as possible)

Create new solution with a simple project from the template. Delete the .sln file and open that as as solutionless workspace in C# Devkit in VS Code. Happens already here.

Then create a new .slnx file for dotnet:

<Solution>
  <Project Path="project_folder/project_file.csproj" />
</Solution>

Open this solution in C# Devkit. Uno Platform plugin won't work with that, too.

Workaround

Create an old-fashioned .sln file.

Renderer

• Skia
• Native

Affected platforms

iOS - net9.0-ios

Uno.Sdk version

6.3.28

IDE used

Visual Studio Code on macOS

IDE version

1.106.0-insider from 2025-10-27

Uno Platform Extension version

0.22.1

Relevant plugins

C# Devkit and c#, both latest insider builds

Anything else we need to know?

No response

[agneszitte]

FYI @spouliot

[spouliot]

Support for the newer .slnx format was added a while ago to our VS Code extension.

Support for solution-less is a work-in progress.