Setting up ML.NET Locally

Before you can start working with ML.NET, you'll need to have the following:

• A machine with Windows, Linux, or macOS operating system.

• .NET SDK.

• A suitable IDE or code editor.

• ML.NET CLI tool.

Installing .NET SDK

To download the latest .NET SDK, you can visit their official website.

Please note that you need to install the .NET SDK and not the .NET runtime. While the runtime is capable of running .NET applications, it’s not capable of building them.

Installing IDE or code editor

An integrated development environment (IDE) is a tool that allows us to write code and build our applications. A code editor is less powerful than an IDE, as its capabilities are limited to writing and editing the code. However, its major benefit is that it’s lightweight.

With the .NET SDK, we don’t necessarily require full IDE capabilities, as all actions can be performed from the CLI. On the other hand, IDE makes the development process more convenient.

You can choose one of the following tools based on your operating system, budget, and personal preferences. However, the suitable options are as follows.

Visual Studio 2022

This is a Windows-only IDE that comes in different tiers, both free and premium. This is the main Microsoft-made IDE that was primarily designed for .NET development. It can be downloaded via their official website.

Visual Studio for Mac

This is the Mac version of the Visual Studio IDE. It can be downloaded via their official website.

JetBrains Rider

JetBrains Rider is a very powerful IDE that can be downloaded for Mac, Linux, or Windows. It comes with many built-in tools that improve the software development experience and enhance the quality of code.

It's a premium, paid-for IDE, but a 30-day free trial is available. JetBrains Rider can be downloaded via their official website.

Visual Studio Code

Visual Studio Code is a fully customizable code editor that can be installed on Windows, macOS, or Linux. It lacks some features of an IDE, such as the ability to build applications from the user interface. However, when it comes to code editing, it's still as powerful as an IDE.

Visual Studio Code is completely free. It can be downloaded via their official website.

Installing ML.NET CLI

To install the CLI, you would need to execute one of the following commands in the terminal, depending on the operating system you're using.

Windows

If you're running Windows on a 64-bit AMD processor, execute the following command: