Do static constructors get called when using the designer?

Question

I want to run some registration code, both at run time AND at design time. The best way, to me, appeared to be to use a static constructor, but it does not appear to be run.

public class MyComponent : Component 
{
    static string someVar = "Static constructor not yet run";

    static MyComponent() 
    {
        someVar = "Static constuctor run";
    }

    public MyComponent()
    {
        //Do some constructor things
    }
}

Is there a way to make a static constructor run at design time? If not is there an accepted pattern for doing this kind of thing?

Answer 1

Yes, static constructor will run regardless of design time or run time. A simple test can prove it.

public class MyComponent : Component
{
    static string someVar = "Static constructor not yet run";

    static MyComponent()
    {
        someVar = "Static constructor run";
        MessageBox.Show(someVar);
    }

    public MyComponent()
    {
        //Do some constructor things
    }
}

Now add the component in to the designer, and Build the project. You'll see message box with message Static constructor run.