How Do I Explore the UiPath.Activities.Api SDK Using Visual Studio?

Overview

This guide explains how to explore the UiPath.Activities.Api SDK using built-in features of Visual Studio. It helps you understand the structure and behavior of the SDK in the context of developing custom Workflow Analyzer rules.

Prerequisites

• Clone the repository: https://github.com/rpapub/WatchfulAnvil
• Open the provided solution in Visual Studio
• Ensure the solution builds and runs the included sample rule (NullOperationRule)

Steps

1. Use IntelliSense to Discover SDK Types

   • Type inside your custom rule and use Ctrl+Space to explore available types, members, and signatures.
   • Hover over identifiers to view documentation summaries and type information.

2. Navigate with Go To Definition

   • Hold Ctrl and click on SDK types or method names to view their structure in metadata view.
   • Visual Studio displays public properties, method signatures, and inheritance information.

3. Browse SDK Structure Using Object Browser

   • Go to View > Object Browser.
   • Select the UiPath.Activities.Api reference from the project.
   • Explore namespaces, interfaces, and classes exposed by the SDK.

4. Use the Debugger to Inspect Runtime Behavior

   • Place breakpoints inside rule logic (e.g., in Inspect()).
   • Launch UiPath Studio and attach the debugger to UiPath.Studio.exe.
   • Run Workflow Analyzer in Studio and step through rule execution to inspect live objects.

5. Inspect Types with Reflection (Optional)

   • Insert reflection code to list available members during runtime:

     foreach (var m in typeof(IActivityModel).GetMembers())
     {
         Console.WriteLine($"{m.MemberType}: {m.Name}");
     }
     

Expected Outcome

After completing these steps, you will be able to:

• Discover and understand available SDK types and members
• Trace how and when custom rules are invoked by Studio
• Examine runtime data passed to your rules
• Develop and iterate rules with confidence and deeper insight

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