How do I add file copying functionality to my .csproj file?

[Xarzu Thompson]

This is using C# coded using Microsoft Visual Studio 2019 Professional

I have an XML file used as a configuration in my program that I am coding. The executable reads and writes to the XML file. So I would naturally like to have an automatic process where the XML file is moved from where it resides among of the source to where the compiled executable will be built. I imagine the moving of the xml file could be done during the pre-build or post-build process. And so, I tried adding some "xcopy" messages in the "Build Events" box that is found in the Properties setting of the project file. Another optioni, I assume, is to edit the project file by hand using a text editor. But I am not accustomed to the scripting language of this code. When I tried to type the pre-build commands I tried:

xcopy config.xml $(OutDir)config.xml

and the error during the Build is

The command "xcopy config.xml bin\x64\Debug\config.xml" exited with code 4.

Please help.

[Stephan van Hulst]

You don't have to do any of this. All you need to do is set the "Copy to Output Directory" property of the file in your project to "Copy always" or "Copy if newer".