UPDATE:CR_Documentor has found a new home on Google Code.Head over there to get the latest version and updated information.

Lutz Roeder, a fantastic developer of ultra-helpful tools, took his “Documentor” application - which allowed a developer to preview what XML document comments would look like rendered into end-user documentation - down from his site. He was nice enough to send me the source for it, though, so I’ve converted it into a Visual Studio tool window add-in via the rich plug-in framework offered by the Developer Express, Inc. package, DXCore (which also supports CodeRush for Visual Studio .NET).

This plug-in allows you to see a preview of your XML document comments - a la Roeder’s original Documentor - real-time, as you edit the comments in Visual Studio.

CR_Documentor offers the ability to choose the level of tags you want to be “compatible” with, the manner in which “unrecognized” tags are handled, and other formatting options.

CR_Documentor also offers context-menu support to aid in working with XML documentation comments, including inserting templates, embedding selections in templates, toggling outlining on XML doc comments, and toggling visibility of the CR_Documentor window.

Installation is as easy as copying a DLL into a folder. The included readme.txt outlines installation, usage, and workarounds for known issues.

UPDATE:CR_Documentor has found a new home on Google Code.Head over there to get the latest version and updated information.