Using SolutionPackager to save solutions in source control

In this recipe, we will focus on storing a fragmented Dynamics 365 solution in the source control. More specifically, we will be using SolutionPackager to extract a Dynamics 365 solution into a folder that is Git initialized. We will then export an updated solution that had some components removed and demonstrate how the items will be removed from source control.

SolutionPackager is a utility introduced with Dynamics CRM 2013. It allows you to explode a Dynamics CRM\365 solution into small fragments. SolutionPackager also allows you to implode the extracted files back into a zipped solution file.

We primarily chose Git as it is becoming the mainstream distributed version control system, as well as for its ease of use. Git will recognize filesystem changes without the need to check-out files. We will use a local repository without connecting or pushing to a remote repository.

Getting ready

Given that we will be using Git, you will need...