Simple Way To CreateYour NuGet Package: Step-by-Step Guide
Tags: nugetpackage, visualstudio, dotnet
Published: 2024-05-12 21:12:47

In this article, I will guide you through the process of crafting a NuGet package, from concept to publishing

NuGet packages are essential building blocks for .NET development, providing reusable code and libraries.
Creating your own package allows you to share functionality and streamline development for yourself and others.

**1. Define Your Package’s Purpose:**

The first step is to identify a clear purpose for your package.

What functionality or utility will it offer?

Consider common tasks or problems developers might face and how your package can address them. So our package will be a versatile .NET library designed to simplify pagination tasks within your applications. 

This package offers robust support for implementing pagination, filtering, and ordering functionalities in your API endpoints or data retrieval operations.

**Key Features:**

Pagination Support: Easily paginate large datasets by specifying page size and retrieving paginated results, simplifying the management of data across multiple pages.

**Filtering Capabilities**: Seamlessly filter datasets based on custom criteria, enabling users to retrieve only the data that meets specific requirements.

**Ordering Functionality**: Sort results according to specified fields and order preferences, providing flexibility in how data is presented to users.

**Customizable Configuration**: pagination settings, filtering options, and ordering preferences to suit the unique requirements of your application.

**2. Project Structure and Code Organization:**

· Choose a project type suitable for your package’s content Class libraries (.csproj) are common for reusable code.

![Package Class library](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/ofartuiqrmpx9g2i7xcu.PNG)
  
· Organize your code efficiently.

· Use folders to categorize functionalities and maintain a clean separation of concerns.


![Organize your code efficiently](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/duigfp4xl87qypjbatzu.PNG)
**4. Package Configuration (Project Properties):**

Most IDEs, like Visual Studio, allow to configure NuGet package properties directly within your project through Build tap and (.csproj) file configuration:

· **Package ID**: A unique identifier for your package on nuget.org. Choose a descriptive and memorable name.

· **Version**: Start with a version number like “1.0.0” and increment it for updates.

· **Authors**: List yourself or your team as the package creators.

· **Description**: Provide a clear and concise description of the package’s functionality and benefits.

· **Dependencies**: Specify any other NuGet packages your package relies on.

· **PackageIconUrl**: Provide a URL for an icon that represents your package.

· **PackageLicenseExpression**: Specify the license under which your package is distributed (e.g., MIT, Apache).

· **PackageTags**: Add relevant keywords to help users discover your package during searches.

**a) Using Build tab**

![Build tab Configuration](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/i795fz0h12oprftxzvbe.PNG)

**b) using (.csproj) file configuration**


![file configuration](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/8ssqpsl939crx1zih8gf.PNG)

**5. Build and Package (Using the CLI or IDE):**

· Command-Line Interface (CLI): Use the Nuget pack command in your terminal or command prompt, specifying the project file path and output directory.

![Nuget pack command](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/0zvnm4nac9v9qs9z7kqx.PNG)

· Integrated Development Environment (IDE): Right-click on your project in the IDE and choose “Pack” under the NuGet menu or you Can just build the project finally can find The file .nupkg


![BuildPackageConfiguration](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/rgylv0ngbqt1vxbz5yrm.PNG)

**6. Testing the Package (Optional):**

· Create a new test project that references your newly created package.

· Write unit tests to verify the functionality of your code within the package.


![Testing the Package](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/8d8rv8w5q0nns0ylet9p.PNG)

**7. Publishing Your Package (nuget.org Account):**

· Create a free nuget.org account if you don’t have one already.

· Go to the “API Keys” section and generate a new key with “Push” permission for package publishing.

· Use the nuget push command in the CLI, specifying the package file path, your nuget.org API key, and the source URL .

![package file path](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/wkf16g66rorqzvsh6los.PNG)

· At the end, you can check published package has already been uploaded and that can anyone restore and use your package.


![published package](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/k77u5uf2cdyq6ttocbeo.PNG)


**Additional Tips:**

· Consider using a continuous integration (CI) pipeline to automate building, testing, and publishing your package.

· Provide clear documentation for your package, explaining usage instructions and APIs.

· Maintain your package by addressing bugs by following up any reports on the package and releasing updates with new features.


By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to creating and publishing your own valuable NuGet package for the .NET community!