Blazor Hot Reload: Fast Dev Cycles in .NET 9

Blazor Hot Reload in .NET 9 eliminates slow feedback loops for developers, enabling instant UI updates and faster iteration. This tactical guide shows how to set up Hot Reload, streamline onboarding, and accelerate trial activation with Xceed’s Blazor components so you can build, test, and ship smarter in less time.

Why Blazor Hot Reload in .NET 9 Is a Game-Changer

In the fast-evolving world of .NET development, nothing kills momentum like slow feedback loops. For Blazor developers, waiting for a full rebuild just to see a minor UI change has long been a top friction point. With .NET 9, Microsoft’s Hot Reload for Blazor is finally mature delivering near-instant code updates and dramatically accelerating the dev cycle.

What Is Blazor Hot Reload?

Blazor’s promise full-stack .NET with C# everywhere has always been compelling. But until recently, the developer experience lagged behind JavaScript frameworks in one key area: speed of iteration. Hot Reload closes that gap. Now, you can:

- Edit Razor components, C# files, or CSS

- See changes reflected in the browser in real time

- Skip the tedious rebuild/redeploy loop

This means faster UI prototyping, quicker bug squashing, and a smoother onboarding experience for new team members evaluating Blazor or Xceed’s component suite.

How to Enable Blazor Hot Reload in .NET 9

1. Update your project: Make sure you’re targeting .NET 9. In your .csproj file:
  <TargetFramework>net9.0</TargetFramework>

1. Use Visual Studio 2025 or VS Code (with C# Dev Kit): Both editors fully support Hot Reload for Blazor projects.

1. Start your app with Hot Reload enabled: In Visual Studio, press F5 or use the Hot Reload button. In the CLI, run:
  dotnet watch run

1. Edit and save: Change a Razor component, C# method, or CSS file. Your browser will update instantly no refresh required.

What Blazor Hot Reload Can and Can’t Do in .NET 9

- Supports most changes to Razor, C#, and CSS files

- Maintains app state no lost form data or navigation

- Some structural changes (like new files or dependencies) still require a full rebuild

For most UI tweaks, logic fixes, and styling, Hot Reload is a game-changer especially during onboarding and trial periods, when devs are evaluating Xceed’s Blazor DataGrid or UI components.

Step-by-Step Tutorial: Using Blazor Hot Reload

1. Clone a Blazor sample: Use an Xceed Blazor DataGrid demo or your own repo.

1. Run with Hot Reload: dotnet watch run

1. Edit a cell template or style: Change a column header, tweak a theme, or update a cell renderer.

1. Save and observe: Instantly see your changes in the browser no page reload, no lost data.

This workflow slashes friction for new users, lets trial developers get productive fast, and helps teams ship polished UIs with less hassle.

Reducing Developer Friction: The Xceed Advantage

For .NET teams evaluating Xceed’s Blazor components, Hot Reload means:

- Faster onboarding trial users can iterate on UI and logic in seconds

- Quicker proof-of-concept builds, driving higher trial activation and conversion

- Less time waiting, more time building

Ready to kickstart your Blazor project? Start your free 45-day trial and experience frictionless development with Xceed’s battle-tested UI components.

FAQ: Blazor Hot Reload in .NET 9

- Does Hot Reload work with all Blazor project types?
  Yes, including Blazor Server, WebAssembly, and Hybrid in .NET 9.

- Can I use Hot Reload with Xceed’s Blazor DataGrid?
  Absolutely edit columns, styles, or logic and see updates instantly.

- What are the limitations?
  Major project structure changes still require a restart. But most UI and logic edits work seamlessly.

- Where can I get help?
  Visit the Xceed Support Hub for documentation and expert guidance.

Ready to try Hot Reload with Xceed? Get your free trial today and build faster in .NET 9.