Where to store external DLL files?

Question

In my project I'm using some third-party libraries. I include them using the references folder in Visual Studio.

But where should I save the DLL files? They are referenced from a path in the file system, but it would be nice if I can include it into the project. But how?

Answer 1

Do have a look at Tree Surgeon - Creates a development tree for a .NET project, which can be a good starting point and from there you can improvise.

Answer 2

To answer this properly you need to differentiate between the environment and working set.

Environment:

• This is all the tools and libraries required to build your solution.
• Things in the environment are expected to stay reasonably constant.
• Things in the environment are usually versioned and you should be able to have multiple versions side by side.
• Things in the environment are usually licensed.
• Environment is not under source control.
• A good example would be Visual Studio.

Working Set:

• This is basically your source code.
• It is all the requirements needed to get to your final executable.
• You shuold expect the working set to change a lot during development.
• The working set should be under source control.

You need to decide into which category your component fits.