Nuget install package with wildcard version

Question

How to achieve package reference with wildcard version by using install-package in visual studio 2017? Example line :

PackageReference Include="somePackage" Version="*"

When I try

Install-Package somePackage -Version *

I get error:

Install-Package : Failed to parse the input of Version parameter: * to a valid Semantic version.

Answer 1

Unfortunately install-package command does not support a wild card version. But if you have a .NET Core based project then you can use the dotnet.exe add package package_name --version * command from the developer command prompt.

How to check if your project is .NET Core based -

1. Right click on the project in VS and see if there is an option Edit project_name.csproj

If your project is .NET Core based -

1. Launch developer command prompt from the start bar
2. cd project_directory
3. dotnet add package package_name --version *

Please note that having a * in a package reference is potentially dangerous as it will always get you the latest version which can bring in breaking changes.

Answer 2

dotnet add package does not support neither pre-releases nor wildcards, see open issues:

• https://github.com/nuget/home/issues/4699
• https://github.com/NuGet/Home/issues/912