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.NET SDK

The tools that build and run .NET applications, including C# console programs.

What it is for

The SDK includes development tools; installing only a runtime is not enough to build a project. You use dotnet through a shell rather than opening an SDK window.

Install it

  1. Download a supported .NET SDK from Microsoft for your operating system and processor. Use the SDK version required by the project if it specifies one.
  2. Complete the installer, then open a new PowerShell tab. Existing terminals may not see the new installation.

Official setup instructions ↗

Open it

  1. Open PowerShell, or a PowerShell tab in VS Code’s TERMINAL panel.

Check it is installed — then verify

Where · PowerShell

At the PowerShell prompt. Type the command, then press Enter. Tool guide

Check installed SDKs. This command works from any folder.

dotnet --list-sdks

What you should see: One or more SDK versions and paths appear. No entries means an SDK is not available to this command.

Try one small thing

Where · PowerShell

At the PowerShell prompt. Type the command, then press Enter. Tool guide

In File Explorer create an empty practice folder named MyFirstConsole. Open it in VS Code with File → Open Folder. In Terminal → New Terminal (PowerShell), enter these commands one line at a time.

dotnet new console
dotnet run

What you should see: The new console project prints its greeting. Open Program.cs in the editor to change the text, save and run dotnet run in this same terminal again.

If something looks different

  1. dotnet is not recognised: install the SDK and reopen the terminal.
  2. Could not find a project: the terminal must be in the folder containing the .csproj file.
  3. The target framework is unsupported: inspect the project’s .csproj and any global.json before choosing an SDK.

Lessons using this tool

Some use it only for optional local practice. Each lesson explains what you actually need.

C# · 61 lessons
SOLID · 5 lessons
Design patterns · 23 lessons

Official help

Guide reviewed 2026-09-09. Menu labels can differ between versions.