Caching NuGet packages on VSO's Host Agent Pool

Question

When running on builds in VSO's new host agent pool, I have a powershell script to restore the NuGet packages for each project.json using dnu restore.

This process can easily take more than 2 minutes.

Is it not possible to somehow cache these packages on the agent? Would this only be possible if we had our own custom agent?

Answer 1

Yes, you're right that you need to set up one on-premise TFS build controller and agent to avoid restoring NuGet packages each time when you build projects.

NuGet package restore will install all referenced packages before a project is built, it is possible for you to cache packages on on-premise build agent but not on hosted build agent.

Answer 2

In VSTS (cloud), NuGet Restore task allows you to use NuGet packages from the machine. I have tried this and it cuts on the time it takes to restore all packages.