Question 1

How does NuGet Package Explorer compare to the command-line NuGet tools?

Accepted Answer

NuGet Package Explorer is best for visual editing and inspection, while CLI tools like NuGet or dotnet are better for automation and scripting in CI/CD pipelines. NPE simplifies one-off tasks but lacks batch processing capabilities.

Question 2

How to add files to a package using drag and drop in NuGet Package Explorer?

Accepted Answer

Drag files from Windows Explorer into the Package Contents pane; the app infers the correct folder (e.g., lib for assemblies) and prompts for confirmation, as illustrated in the creating a package section. This visual approach speeds up package assembly without manual folder creation.

Question 3

Can I use NuGet Package Explorer on a Mac or Linux for full package creation?

Accepted Answer

No, the full desktop application is Windows-only via Microsoft Store or Chocolatey. For Mac or Linux, you can only use the web version, which has limited features like browsing and uploading, not creation or editing.

Question 4

Is the dotnet-validate CLI tool ready for production use?

Accepted Answer

It's currently in preview with known issues, such as not handling exact versions for remote packages. Use it for testing, but rely on official NuGet tools for critical validations until it's stable.

Question 5

Does NuGet Package Explorer support signing packages with certificates?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can sign packages directly within the app using File > Sign and Save As, provided you have a code signing certificate, as shown in the sign package dialog. This integrates signing into the visual workflow.

Question 6

How to publish a package to a private NuGet feed with NuGet Package Explorer?

Accepted Answer

The README focuses on nuget.org publishing; for private feeds, you might need to use command-line tools or check if the app supports custom feed URLs in the publish dialog. It's primarily designed for public nuget.org integration.

NuGetPackageExplorer

What is NuGetPackageExplorer?

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