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

Question

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

Answer 1

Contrary to what some of the other answerers say, you do NOT need the SDK, just the .NET Framework to get the C# compiler, csc.exe.

Also, consider other (free) IDEs like MonoDevelop, #develop, and Visual C# Express. (You said you don't want Visual Studio, not that you don't want an IDE at all ;) )

Answer 2

Assuming you have Visual Studio installed with C# included. Also, assuming you want latest version.

1. Find the path to your VS installation. Call it VSPath.
2. The CSC Compiler will be at VSPath\MSBuild(MSBuild-Version)\Bin\Roslyn

Answer 3

Yes, if you have the .NET SDK, it's there. For example,

C:\WINDOWS\Microsoft.NET\Framework\v[your version number]\csc.exe

msbuild.exe should be there too, and you can use that to build project (.csproj) files.

Answer 4

Yes, but you need to download and install .NET Framework SDK.

Here's a link that can help you.

Answer 5

You only need the .NET framework. You can use Notepad to edit and the CSC.exe to compile.