Visual Studio Build Very Slow

Question

This applies to both 2008 and 2010 versions (and probably earlier ones too). Also to both C++ and C# projects.

An initial build (after reboot) runs at normal speed

Answer 1

In my case, I used "wwwroot" directory inside the project directory to store couple GB of data. Moving the "wwwroot" outside the solution directory solved my build times. For my .NET Core web app, I edited launchSettings.json and added new environment variable ASPNETCORE_WEBROOT:

...
"profiles": {
    "Development": {
      "commandName": "Project",
      "environmentVariables": {
        "ASPNETCORE_ENVIRONMENT": "Development",
        "ASPNETCORE_WEBROOT": "../../wwwroot"
      },
      "applicationUrl": "https://localhost:5001;http://localhost:5000"
    },
...

Answer 2

I did not see this type of answer, so I am thinking that mine, might be helpful to someone. My issue with VS build time was a dumb one: I had the source code on another computer. Each time I tried to build it, a connection has to be made to that computer, which results in VS freeze time for a long time. I discovered this issue, after trying most of the solutions here and elsewhere. (emoticon with banging my head against the desk)