Install NuGet Packages in Visual Studio

Introduction

NuGet packages are pre-defined pieces of code which are reusable for other developers. You can add a NuGet package to your project and use it's functionality wherever you want in your project. We can also say that NuGet behaves like a platform, where developers can create and share code with the world. It contains code that's compiled as DLL which is nearly impossible to decrypt. 

Prerequisites

• Visual Studio

Step 1: Create a Project

• We can install NuGet packages in any .NET project which supports the same target framework as our project.
• For this demo, I'm using a standard MVC Project.
  

Step 2: Open the NuGet Package Manager

Now, there are two options for opening the Nuget Package Manager window.

1. Select Tools > Nuget Package Manager > Manage Nuget Packages for Solution.      

2. Go to your Solution Explorer, right-click on References, and choose Manage NuGet Packages.

Step 3: Search and Install Your Required NuGet Package

• In this window, you can search for, install, uninstall and update any Nuget Package. You can also see a full list of your installed NuGet packages.
• Once you click on the Install button and click on 'I Agree' in the permissions pop-up window, then that particular package will be installed/added to your project.
• Here, I am installing the EntityFramwork Nuget Package.

Once the package is installed successfully, this message will be displayed.

 Here, You can see your installed project. Go to Solution Explorer > Reference, and expand it.

Now you can access that package/code from your project.  

Note: You can also install NuGet packages for multiple projects at the same time and in the same place.

Installing NuGet Using the Package Manager Console

Step 1: Select Tools > NuGet Package Manager > Package Manager Console

 It will open the console at the bottom of the window. 

Step 2: Select Your Project and Execute the Below Command to Install the Package

If your command is valid, then the package will be installed in your project.