Is it possible to install a C# compiler without Visual Studio?

c# compiler-construction msbuild csc
Pavel Bastov picture Pavel Bastov · May 14, 2009 · Viewed 73.6k times · Source

I want to build projects from the command line. Is it possible to deploy a C# compiler without installing Visual Studio?

Answer

lc. picture lc. · May 14, 2009

Sure, the framework includes a compiler, csc.exe. Look at this article for a quick how-to. The important parts:

You can get the command-line compiler (csc.exe) from Microsoft site http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/netframework/aa731542.aspx.

Download the redistributable package of the .NET Framework, which includes the compiler and the .NET Framework with C# 2005 syntax support.

The compiler is located in the following directory: %windir%\Microsoft.NET\Framework\

Also look at this MSDN article for a full guide and explanation.

Note that for more recent versions, you will be looking for the MSBuild standalone package rather than the framework -- see @Vadzim's answer.

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