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Getting Started with BimlExpress

What BimlExpress Is​

BimlExpress is a free Visual Studio add in for authoring Biml inside SSIS projects. It adds Biml file editing, syntax coloring, error highlighting, IntelliSense, a preview pane, and SSIS package generation. It can sit alongside BI Developer Extensions (formerly BIDS Helper) so that both sets of features are available in the same project.

The Biml feature set in BimlExpress mirrors what BI Developer Extensions ships, but the editor experience is improved: cleaner syntax coloring, working IntelliSense, and far fewer false positive errors when Biml and BimlScript code mix in the same file.

Supported Visual Studio Versions​

BimlExpress has shipped against a wide range of Visual Studio versions across its release line:

  • BimlExpress 2019 supports Visual Studio 2010 through 2019.
  • BimlExpress 2018 supports Visual Studio 2010 through 2017.
  • BimlExpress 2017 supports Visual Studio 2010 through 2015.

Newer releases extend the supported range further. Always pick the latest BimlExpress that targets the Visual Studio version in use.

Installation​

Download BimlExpress from the Varigence site, run the installer, and pick the Visual Studio versions to install or update. The installer takes a few seconds. After it finishes, restart Visual Studio and Biml authoring is ready.

BimlExpress adds two menus:

  • A top level BimlExpress menu in the Visual Studio toolbar, with commands for learning resources, version information, and the toggle for showing or hiding the BI Developer Extensions menus.
  • A right click menu on Biml files in Solution Explorer, with commands to check Biml for errors and to generate SSIS packages.

When BI Developer Extensions is also installed, both menus appear by default. Use the Toggle BIDS Helper Menus command from the BimlExpress toolbar menu to hide one set if the duplication is distracting.

Code Editor​

The editor is the major upgrade over the older add in. Code nuggets like the inline expression markers stay properly highlighted alongside the surrounding Biml, IntelliSense continues to work after a BimlScript block ends, and the false error squiggles that used to appear at the boundary between Biml and BimlScript are gone.

Uninstalling​

To remove BimlExpress, open Tools, Extensions and Updates in Visual Studio, find BimlExpress in the list, and choose Disable or Uninstall. The standard Windows Programs and Features control panel can also remove the add in.

Next Steps​

After installation, create or add a Biml file to an SSIS project, write a small Biml document, and pick Generate SSIS Packages from the right click menu to confirm the toolchain is wired up. From there, the rest of the BimlScript walkthroughs cover code nuggets, metadata driven generation, and reusable patterns.