What is NuGet Cache? When and Why Should You Clear NuGet Cache? How to Clear NuGet Cache? These are the main topics of this article.
What is NuGet Cache?
NuGet Cache is a buffer that stores NuGet packages that have been downloaded to your computer for reuse in other projects or within the same project when needed. When you install a NuGet package, it is downloaded from the NuGet repository and stored in your cache folder. If you reinstall that package or install a different version of that package in the future, NuGet will use the package from the cache instead of downloading it again from the NuGet repository. This can help speed up the installation of NuGet packages and reduce network resources used.
Location of Storage
The location where it stores has a path in the following format:
- Windows:
%userprofile%\.nuget\packages - Mac/Linux:
~/.nuget/packages
What is the Benefit of Clearing NuGet Cache?
Normally, there is no need to clear NuGet Cache. However, if you work with many projects, the number of packages downloaded and stored in the cache folder will increase over time. As a result, the cache folder (.nuget) will occupy more and more disk space. In this case, clearing NuGet Cache will help free up the space it is occupying.
How to Clear NuGet Package Cache
Clearing via Command Line:
dotnet nuget locals all -clearClearing in Visual Studio:
To clear the NuGet Package Cache in Visual Studio, go to Tools => Options => NuGet Package Manager. Then click Clear All NuGet Cache and wait for the process to complete.
Conclusion
In summary, there are two ways to clear NuGet Cache: by using the command line or by clearing it in Visual Studio. Clearing NuGet Cache helps free up disk space it occupies when necessary.
