.NET Tool Extension

VS CODE EXTENSION

Overview

The .NET Tool Extension provides a seamless solution for managing .NET SDKs and Runtimes. It empowers VS Code extensions such as C#, C# Dev Kit, Unity, .NET MAUI, CMake, and Bicep to acquire necessary .NET dependencies in a unified and efficient way.

Whether you need to automatically install or update .NET SDKs/Runtimes for your projects or extensions, this tool streamlines the process so you can focus on your code.

Why is this extension installed?

You likely have this extension as a dependency of another extension, for example:

• C#
• C# Dev Kit
• Unity
• .NET MAUI
• CMake
• Bicep

They utilize .NET Tool Extension to manage .NET runtime and SDK installs reliably. To remove it, uninstall all dependent extensions first.

How to Install the .NET SDK

You can install the .NET SDK system-wide using the VS Code command palette:

• Open the command palette (Ctrl+Shift+P or Cmd+Shift+P on Mac)
• Run: .NET Tool Extension – Install the .NET SDK System-Wide
• Follow the prompts to select and install your preferred SDK version.

⚠️ Preview, RC, and some Linux distros may not be fully supported.

Configuring an Existing .NET Installation

You can specify to use your pre-installed .NET for all or some extensions.

1. For all extensions:

"dotnetAcquisitionExtension.sharedExistingDotnetPath": "/usr/share/dotnet/dotnet"

2. For a specific extension:

"dotnetAcquisitionExtension.existingDotnetPath": [
  {
    "extensionId": "ms-dotnettools.csharp",
    "path": "C:\\Program Files\\dotnet\\dotnet.exe"
  }
]

You'll need a separate entry for each extension. Extension IDs can be copied by right-clicking an extension in the pane.

Troubleshooting

Download Timeout

Increase download timeout if needed:

"dotnetAcquisitionExtension.installTimeoutValue": 660

Proxy Issues

If behind a proxy, set it up as below:

"dotnetSDKAcquisitionExtension.proxyUrl": "https://your_proxy_url:port"

Contributor Information

Before .NET Tool Extension, extension authors had to bundle their own runtimes, which led to duplication, outdated versions, and difficult cleanup. Now, this extension provides shared, up-to-date SDK/Runtimes with better reliability and disk usage.

Project Info

• .NET Tool Extension is a .NET Foundation project.
• Code, issues, and more can be found at GitHub.
• Licensed under MIT.
• Follows Microsoft Open Source Code of Conduct.
• Telemetry is collected by default and can be disabled in VS Code settings.
• For feedback or questions, use GitHub.

Third-party notices

See the notices.

Trademarks

This project may use trademarks or logos for various projects and services. Follow respective trademark & branding policies.