Object reference not set to an instance of an object.

[gregpakes]

When I right-click "Grunt" (no other options available), I just get "Object reference not set to an instance of an object." in the output window.

gruntfile.js

module.exports = function (grunt) {
    "use strict";

    // load all grunt tasks

    grunt.initConfig({

        less: {
            development: {
                options: {
                  paths: [
                        "path/components",
                        "path/legacy"
                    ],
                    yuicompress: false
                },
                files: {
                  "path/site.min.css": "path/site.less"
                }
            },
        },
        watch: {
            files: "path/**/*.less",
            tasks: ["less-dev"]
        }
    });

    grunt.loadNpmTasks('grunt-contrib-less');
    grunt.loadNpmTasks('grunt-contrib-watch');
    grunt.registerTask("less-dev", ["less:development"]);

};

[Bjornej]

I've tried your gruntfile and it works on my visual studio. Are you using VS 2012 update 3 or VS2013?

[Bjornej]

If that's the case I can try to update my machine and replicate the problem.

[gregpakes]

I tried it in visual studio 2012 update 3.

It doesn't install into 2013 for me.

[Bjornej]

Are you using Professional, Premium or Ultimate? Also, has the plugin ever worked for you or it's this specific file?

[gregpakes]

I am using ultimate. I've never used the plugin before so it has never worked for me.

[Bjornej]

I'm using the exact same version, ultimate with update 3. When I get home tonight I'll build you a debug version so we can try to pinpoint the problem

[gregpakes]

HI -

I've created a debug build myself and found the issue. When I right-click gruntfile.js the following line errors:

private string GetSourceFilePath()
{
    ...
    string filePath = prjItem.Properties.Item("FullPath").Value.ToString();
    ...
}

The reason is Properties is null.

Could it be that I'm using solution folders? I'll debug further.

[gregpakes]

I have solved the issue. Will submit a pull request shortly.

I have another issue now though and am wondering if you have any ideas?

I am getting this in the output window:

Executing  grunt watch

'grunt' is not recognized as an internal or external command, operable program or batch file.

[Bjornej]

Hi,

great for the solution. It seems that you don't have grunt-cli installed globally. You can install it by doing

npm -g install grunt-cli

from the command line.

[Bjornej]

Done. I've merged the pull request, rebuilt the installer and uploaded it to visual studio gallery so it should appear as an available update.

Thank you for the patience and for the help.