azure webrole Global.Application_Start is never called

Question

I created a simple ASP.NET project and then added cloud deployment descriptor using Visual Studio. Once I do that, Application_Start() method in global.asax file never gets called. In my project, I do lot of initialization such as loading web.config file, loading connection strings, initiailizing cache, etc. I can not put all of them into WebRole.OnStart() method. Is there any special configuration required to have Application_Start() method in Global class invoked? Thanks, Prasanna

Accepted Answer

As SMARX stated Applicaton_start() is always called however with your Web Role if you have full IIS role then VS2010 debugger does not hit Application_start(). I am writing the detail below on how you can hit BP at Application_Start() in Global.asax.cs:

First you can write Debugger.Break() code in your Application_Start() as below:

Now please open your Role Properties > Web and select

- Use Visual Studio Development Server settings (I have chosen as shown in image below)

- Use Local IIS Web Server

Now debug your application and you will see a message as below to debug W3WP.EXE process

Select Debug option above and then you will see BS JIT Debugger Windows as below:

Once you accept VS JIT debugger launch process, you will see the PB hit in your Applicaton_start() as below:

That's it!!

azure webrole Global.Application_Start is never called

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