Using Extensions and NuGet Package Manager

Installing Visual Studio Extensions

Extensions add new features to your IDE — like theming, Git tools, Docker support, or additional languages.

1. Go to Extensions → Manage Extensions
2. Browse or search for tools like:
• ReSharper – Code analysis and productivity
• Visual Studio IntelliCode – AI-assisted code completion
• NuGet Package Manager UI
3. Click Download and restart Visual Studio

What is NuGet?

NuGet is the package manager for .NET. It lets you install, update, and remove third-party libraries from a central repository.

Ways to Use NuGet:

• GUI: Right-click project → Manage NuGet Packages
• CLI: Use dotnet add package

Installing a NuGet Package via CLI

Install Newtonsoft.Json (popular JSON library):

dotnet add package Newtonsoft.Json

Then, use it in your code:

using Newtonsoft.Json;

var json = JsonConvert.SerializeObject(new { Name = "Alice", Age = 30 });
Console.WriteLine(json);

Updating or Removing Packages

• From UI: Go to Manage NuGet Packages → Updates tab
• From CLI:

dotnet remove package Newtonsoft.Json
dotnet list package --outdated

Using Private NuGet Feeds

Enterprises can host private NuGet servers for internal libraries. Add them via nuget.config or UI:

<configuration>
  <packageSources>
    <add key="MyPrivateFeed" value="https://mycompany.com/nuget" />
  </packageSources>
</configuration>

NuGet and Visual Studio extensions supercharge your development workflow. Next, we’ll look at customizing your Visual Studio environment to fit your workflow and preferences.