Simplifying .NET Installs with dotnetup | OD804
Microsoft Developer introduces dotnetup, a cross-platform approach for installing and updating the .NET SDK and runtimes in a unified, user-scoped way.
Overview
The session presents dotnetup as a new method for managing .NET SDK and .NET Runtime installations across platforms and users. It contrasts existing installation approaches with a unified model, then walks through practical setup topics like selecting channels, configuring terminal mode, downloading the SDK, and setting up the environment.
It also discusses real-world friction points (for example, using the latest SDK while targeting multiple runtimes), and outlines additional dotnetup capabilities for managing runtime components, tooling, and upgrades. The talk closes with GA-related notes (documentation, global.json improvements, and faster SDK updates) and a longer-term direction that includes modular SDKs and CI/CD integration.
Resources
Chapters (from the video)
- 0:00 - Overview of Existing .NET Installation Methods
- 00:08:11 - .NET Up Concept: Unified, User-Scoped Installations
- 00:15:05 - Choosing channels and terminal mode configuration
- 00:16:01 - Downloading and setting environment for .NET SDK
- 00:25:05 - Challenges of Using Latest SDK with Multiple Runtimes
- 00:29:03 - Extended .NET Up Features for Various Runtime Components
- 00:30:02 - Managing Tooling and Upgrades Through .NET Up
- 00:43:11 - General availability (GA): Documentation, global.json improvement, and faster SDK updates
- 00:44:09 - Long-term vision: Accelerating delivery, modular SDKs, and CI/CD integration