NuGet Overview

Introduction

• NuGet (pronounced "New Get") is a package manager for software development.
• Mainly used for packaging and distributing software written in .NET and .NET Framework.
• Initially created by the Outercurve Foundation under the name NuPack.
• Introduced in 2010 and has grown into an ecosystem of tools and services.

Development and Releases

• Developed by Microsoft and .NET Foundation.
• Initial release on October 5, 2010.
• Stable release: Version 6.11 on August 13, 2024.
• Preview release: Version 6.12.0.83 on August 24, 2024.

Technical Details

• NuGet packages are ZIP files with .nupack or .nupkg extensions containing .NET assemblies.
• Packages include a manifest file describing contents.
• Written in C#.
• Platform: .NET Framework.
• Type: Package management system.
• License: Apache License 2.0.
• Repository: GitHub.

Usage and Integration

• Initially distributed as a Visual Studio extension.
• Visual Studio 2012 and later versions support NuGet packages natively.
• NuGet client (nuget.exe) is a free, open-source command-line application.
• Integrated with MSBuild, .NET Core SDK, and JetBrains Rider.

Supported Languages and Tools

• Supports multiple programming languages:
  • .NET Framework packages
  • .NET packages
  • Native C++ packages (creation aided by CoApp)
• Related tools and repositories include Binary repository manager, Chocolatey, ProGet, Software repository, Web Platform Installer, WinOps, Windows Package Manager.

Additional Resources

• Official Website
• GitHub Repository
• Chocolatey and its GitHub Repository