Global tools in the context of the ASP.NET Command Line Interface (CLI) are command-line applications that can be installed and run from any location on your system. These tools extend the functionality of the .NET CLI and provide additional capabilities for developers working with ASP.NET Core and other .NET applications. This guide will explain what global tools are, how to install them, and provide examples of commonly used global tools.

What are Global Tools?

Global tools are .NET Core applications that are installed as global tools, allowing you to run them from any command prompt or terminal window without needing to navigate to a specific project directory. They are typically used for tasks such as code generation, project management, and other development utilities.

Global tools are installed using the dotnet tool install command and can be uninstalled using the dotnet tool uninstall command. They are stored in a specific directory that is included in your system's PATH, making them accessible from anywhere.

How to Install a Global Tool

To install a global tool, you can use the following command: 

dotnet tool install --global ToolName

In this command, replace ToolName with the name of the global tool you want to install. For example, to install the popular dotnet-ef tool, which is used for Entity Framework Core migrations and database updates, you would run: 

dotnet tool install --global dotnet-ef

After executing this command, the dotnet-ef tool will be installed globally, and you can use it from any command prompt or terminal window.

How to List Installed Global Tools

To view a list of all global tools installed on your system, you can use the following command: 

dotnet tool list --global

This command will display a list of all global tools, along with their versions and installation paths.

How to Uninstall a Global Tool

If you no longer need a global tool, you can uninstall it using the following command: 

dotnet tool uninstall --global ToolName

Replace ToolName with the name of the tool you want to uninstall. For example, to uninstall the dotnet-ef tool, you would run: 

dotnet tool uninstall --global dotnet-ef

This command will remove the specified global tool from your system.

Commonly Used Global Tools

Some commonly used global tools in the ASP.NET ecosystem include:

  • dotnet-ef: A tool for managing Entity Framework Core migrations and database updates.
  • dotnet-sql-cache: A tool for managing SQL Server distributed cache.
  • dotnet-outdated: A tool for checking for outdated NuGet packages in your projects.

Conclusion

Global tools in the ASP.NET CLI provide a powerful way to extend the functionality of the .NET CLI and streamline your development workflow. By installing and using global tools, you can enhance your productivity and manage various aspects of your ASP.NET Core applications more effectively. Understanding how to work with global tools is essential for any .NET developer looking to leverage the full capabilities of the .NET ecosystem.