Using parameters for different publish profiles in web deploy

We can create publishing profiles for a web application by right clicking on the project and choose publish action. This creates a .pubxml file inside properties node in solution explorer. A detailed explanation of this process can be found at

https://colinsalmcorner.com/end-to-end-walkthrough-deploying-web-applications-using-team-build-and-release-management/

In this process it is a rather tricky task to replace connection strings for each publish profile. This can be done by using parameters.xml file. More information can be found at 

https://blogs.blackmarble.co.uk/rfennell/2016/04/18/how-to-build-a-connection-string-from-other-parameters-within-msdeploy-packages-to-avoid-repeating-yourself-in-release-management-variables/

https://www.appveyor.com/docs/deployment/web-deploy/#web-deploy-parametrization

https://stackoverflow.com/questions/24428870/msdeploy-setparameter-not-working

http://vishaljoshi.blogspot.com/2010/07/web-deploy-parameterization-in-action.html

An easier way is now available through Azure DevOps tasks as explained at

https://colinsalmcorner.com/easy-config-management-when-deploying-azure-web-apps-from-vsts/