Is there any way to include extensions in TFS build?

Question

Nuget restorating is good when using CI in VSTS. However I am using some extensions like SQLite Runtime in my project. Is there any way to include those extension dlls other than referencing them in the project?

Answer 1

Some packages (like redis for instance) have a "tools" folder which allows you to pull the "runtime" from nuget.
If your tool is not shipped as a nuget package you'll have either to:
- Include the tool on the source control (not the best thing if you want to keep the repo as small as possible)
- Install the tool on the build machine (only possible if you have your own agents and you're not using the hosted agent)
- Have a script to pull it from the web without relying on nuget (again really depends on the tool and if it has a "run without installation" version)
Hope that helps

Answer 2

Besides referencing them in the project which actually is the most recommended way.

You can also manually install the extension on the build agent . Just like how to use it in your local environment. Make sure the environment on the build agent is as same as your local.

Check the extension and dlls in source control. Even though we do not suggest to manage dlls for source control in TFS.