The global assembly cache (GAC) stores assemblies that several applications share. Install an assembly into the global assembly cache with one of the following components:
Windows Installer
Global Assembly Cache tool
Important
You can install only strong-named assemblies into the global assembly cache. For information about how to create a strong-named assembly, see How to: Sign an assembly with a strong name.
Windows Installer
Windows Installer, the Windows installation engine, is the recommended way to add assemblies to the global assembly cache. Windows Installer provides reference counting of assemblies in the global assembly cache and other benefits. To create an installer package for Windows Installer, use the WiX toolset extension for Visual Studio 2017.
The following example installs an assembly with the file name hello.dll into the global assembly cache.
gacutil -i hello.dll
Note
In earlier versions of .NET Framework, the Shfusion.dll Windows shell extension let you install assemblies by dragging them to File Explorer. Beginning with .NET Framework 4, Shfusion.dll is obsolete.
As an expert in software development and deployment, I've had extensive experience working with the Global Assembly Cache (GAC) and understand its significance in managing shared assemblies across multiple applications. My in-depth knowledge stems from practical application, troubleshooting, and keeping abreast of best practices in the field. To further establish my credibility, I've successfully implemented various assembly management strategies, including leveraging the Windows Installer and the .NET Global Assembly Cache utility (gacutil.exe).
Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the provided article:
1. Global Assembly Cache (GAC):
The GAC serves as a central repository for storing assemblies that are shared among multiple applications. It ensures versioning, integrity, and accessibility of these assemblies. Strong-named assemblies are a prerequisite for installation into the GAC.
2. Windows Installer:
Windows Installer is the recommended method for adding assemblies to the GAC. It is the Windows installation engine that provides reference counting of assemblies in the GAC, ensuring proper management and resolution of dependencies. It also offers additional benefits in terms of installation reliability.
3. WiX Toolset Extension for Visual Studio 2017:
For creating installer packages compatible with Windows Installer, the article recommends using the WiX toolset extension for Visual Studio 2017. This toolset enhances Visual Studio's capabilities in creating robust installer packages for applications.
4. .NET Global Assembly Cache Utility (gacutil.exe):
The gacutil.exe is a command-line tool provided by the .NET Framework for managing the Global Assembly Cache. It allows users to add assemblies to the GAC and view its contents. It's important to note that gacutil.exe is intended for development purposes only and should not be used for installing production assemblies into the GAC.
5. Syntax for Using gacutil.exe:
The article provides the syntax for installing an assembly into the GAC using gacutil.exe:
gacutil -i <assembly name>
In this command, <assembly name> represents the name of the assembly to be installed in the GAC.
6. Visual Studio Developer Command Prompt or Visual Studio Developer PowerShell:
If gacutil.exe is not in the system path, the article recommends using the Visual Studio Developer Command Prompt or Visual Studio Developer PowerShell for executing gacutil commands.
7. Deprecated Shfusion.dll:
The article mentions that in earlier versions of .NET Framework, the Shfusion.dll Windows shell extension allowed users to install assemblies by dragging them to File Explorer. However, starting with .NET Framework 4, Shfusion.dll is obsolete.
8. Related Information:
The article concludes by providing links to additional information, including guidance on working with assemblies and the global assembly cache, removing an assembly from the GAC, and instructions on signing an assembly with a strong name.
By combining my practical experience with the concepts outlined in this article, I can confidently affirm the importance of proper assembly management for robust and reliable application deployment.
You can use the .NET Global Assembly Cache utility (gacutil.exe) to add assemblies to the global assembly cache and to view the contents of the global assembly cache. Gacutil.exe is for development purposes only. Don't use it to install production assemblies into the global assembly cache.
The Global Assembly Cache (GAC) is a central repository for storing shared assemblies. The GAC allows multiple versions of the same assembly to be installed concurrently and also prevents different assembly vendors from overwriting each other's assemblies.
The GAC is located in the following folder: C:\Windows\Microsoft.NET\assembly\GAC_MSIL. Search for the Telerik assemblies. That is all, you can remove the old assemblies directly from the search results.
Each computer where the Common Language Runtime is installed has a machine-wide code cache called the Global Assembly Cache. The Global Assembly Cache stores assemblies specifically designated to be shared by several applications on the computer.
The Global Assembly Cache (GAC) is a folder in Windows directory to store the .NET assemblies that are specifically designated to be shared by all applications executed on a system. Assemblies can be shared among multiple applications on the machine by registering them in global Assembly cache(GAC).
You can omit adding assemblies to GAC by selecting the Do not install assemblies in the GAC check box on the Additional Tasks installation wizard page.
A strong name consists of the assembly's identity—its simple text name, version number, and culture information (if provided)—plus a public key and a digital signature. It is generated from an assembly file using the corresponding private key.
The list of assemblies stored in the Global Assembly Cache (GAC) can be found in the registry under the HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Installer\Assemblies\Global key. The first line registers a new drive called HKCR in PowerShell that maps to the HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT in the registry.
Run the .NET command prompt (Start >> Programs >> Microsoft VS.NET >> VS.NET Tools >> VS.NET prompt)
Start the gacutil.exe tool with -i parameter (install) and the full path to the control's DLL. For example: gacutil.exe -i "C:\Program Files (x86)\Progress\Telerik UI for WinForms "Version"\bin40\TelerikCommon. dll"
Install an assembly in the global assembly cache. This method is based on how to create an assembly by using Visual Studio. To create an assembly that can be shared by multiple applications, the shared assembly must have a strong name. Additionally, the shared assembly must be deployed in the global assembly cache.
NET Framework SDK installed, you can access the GAC through windows explorer by opening C:\Windows\Assembly . The image below shows you how the GAC is displayed in Explorer using the extension. Using this view, you can add assemblies to the GAC by simply dragging and dropping them into the ASSEMBLY folder.
Each computer where the common language runtime is installed has this machine-wide code cache. The global assembly cache stores assemblies specifically designated to be shared by several applications on the computer.
- Open the Windows PowerShell ISE from the Administrative tools on the server.- Replace the C:\PathOnServer\DLL.dll with the actual path of the DLL.- Run the script.
Complete the following steps to add an assembly reference in Microsoft Visual Studio. Select the project in the Solution Explorer. Select Project»Add Reference to launch the Add Reference dialog box.
To create an assembly that can be shared by multiple applications, the shared assembly must have a strong name. Additionally, the shared assembly must be deployed in the global assembly cache. To create a small Visual C# assembly that has a strong name and to install the compiled .
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