The “dotnet tool” command is a part of the .NET development framework and is used to manage .NET tools. It provides a convenient way to install, update, uninstall, and list the .NET tools that are available to your development environment. Additionally, it allows you to search for published tools on NuGet, the official package repository for .NET.
Here are some key aspects of the “dotnet tool” command:
- Tool installation: The “dotnet tool” command enables you to install .NET tools into your local development environment. These tools are typically command-line utilities or code generators that can assist you in various development tasks. When you install a tool, it becomes globally available on your system, allowing you to use it from any command prompt.
- Tool updates: With the “dotnet tool” command, you can easily update the installed .NET tools to their latest versions. It checks for updates and installs the newer versions if available, ensuring that you have access to the latest features and bug fixes.
- Tool uninstallation: If you no longer need a specific .NET tool, you can use the “dotnet tool” command to uninstall it from your system. This removes the tool’s executable and any associated files, freeing up disk space and ensuring a clean development environment.
- Tool listing: The “dotnet tool” command allows you to list all the installed .NET tools on your system. This provides an overview of the tools available to you and their versions.
- Tool search: The “dotnet tool” command provides a search feature that allows you to explore the NuGet package repository for published .NET tools. You can search for tools based on keywords and view details such as descriptions, authors, versions, and download statistics. Once you find a tool of interest, you can proceed to install it using the command.
The “dotnet tool” command simplifies the management of .NET tools in your development workflow. It streamlines the process of installing, updating, and uninstalling tools, allowing you to focus on your development tasks without the need for manual setup or configuration.
Please note that the specifics of the “dotnet tool” command, such as available options or additional functionality, may vary depending on the version of the .NET framework or the tools you are using. For detailed and up-to-date information, it is recommended to refer to the official .NET documentation or use the “–help” flag alongside the command to access the command-specific help information.
dotnet tool Command Examples
1. Install a global tool (don’t use –global for local tools):
# dotnet tool install --global dotnetsay
2. Install tools defined in the local tool manifest:
# dotnet tool restore
3. Update a specific global tool (don’t use –global for local tools):
# dotnet tool update --global tool_name
4. Uninstall a global tool (don’t use –global for local tools):
# dotnet tool uninstall --global tool_name
5. List installed global tools (don’t use –global for local tools):
# dotnet tool list --global
6. Search tools in NuGet:
# dotnet tool search search_term
7. Display help:
# dotnet tool --help