Complete Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up and Running a.NET Web API

This guide covers the entire process of installing .NET, setting up a Web API, configuring Visual Studio Code, and running the API.

Step 1: Install .NET SDK

First, download and install the .NET SDK from the official .NET website:

🔗 Download .NET SDK

After installation, verify the installation by running:

dotnet --version

This command should return the installed .NET version (e.g., 8.0.100).

Step 2: Install Visual Studio Code

1. Download Visual Studio Code from: 🔗 VS Code Download
2. Install VS Code and open it.
3. Install the following extensions inside VS Code:

• C# (by Microsoft) — Provides IntelliSense & debugging.
• C# Dev Kit — Improves .NET development in VS Code.
• Material Icon Theme — Adds better file icons.
• NuGet Package Manager — Helps manage dependencies.

👉 To install extensions, open VS Code and press Ctrl+Shift+X, then search for and install each extension.

Step 3: Create a New .NET Web API Project