Is there a way to install F# 3.0 without Visual Studio?

Question

I was hoping to upgrade to F# 3.0 but I can't find either a packaged F# 3.0 compiler on Microsoft site, nor if there is an express version to use. Is it possible to install F# 3.0 for use from the command line or a simple IDE and if so, how?

Answer 1

The standalone version of F# is not available yet, but F# tools for Visual Studio Express have been released just 2 days ago, so you can get F# 3.0 for free.

• Announcing F# Tools for Visual Studio Express 2012 for Web!

As far as I know, there are definitely plans for open-source release (that can be integrated with MonoDevelop) and it would make sense to have a stand-alone installer too (otherwise you could still just compile the open-source release), but I don't think there are specific dates for that.

Answer 2

The easiest way I've got it to run: http://www.heartysoft.com/build-fsharp-3-on-build-server-without-vs

Essentially using the direct download link on the Web PI tools.

Answer 3

I have successfully make a standalone F# 3.0 works without Visual Studio 2012.

1. First, find a workstation with F# 3.0 installed. (source)
2. Duplicate all the things to destination workstation.

-> C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft SDKs\F#
-> C:\Program Files (x86)\Reference Assemblies\Microsoft\FSharp
-> C:\Windows\Microsoft.NET\assembly\GAC_MSIL\FSharp*

1. Install .NET 4.5 at destination.
2. Export all the registry item with FSC.exe string to destination.
3. Export all the registry item with FSharp string to destination.

f# 3.0 registry.rar

if you don't know how to export the registry items, please download this file and use powershell to import all this .reg file.

PowerShell script: (put the .reg files into c:\xxx suppossedly )

cd c:\xxx
dir *.reg | %{ ('reg import "' + $_.Name + '"') | cmd }

Answer 4

I'm assuming most of you seeking an answer to this question by now probably wouldn't mind the most recent version, which is 4.0. You can download this as a standalone at F# 4.0 . This does not include the supporting assemblies and will fail by itself. So you'll also have to download and install the Microsoft Build Tools 2015 . Should be all set to go from there, no installing the mega-massive visual studio. Of course if you need an IDE you'll need to seek out a free one.

Answer 5

There is not currently a standalone version of F# 3.0. However, one has been promised

Answer 6

You can use Nuget CLI to install the F# Compiler Tools without relying on Visual Studio. As a plus, this procedure does not require admin rights.

1. Visit nuget.org/downloads and download the latest nuget.exe file.
2. Instruct your browser to save the file to a folder of your choice.
3. Add the folder where you placed nuget.exe to your PATH environment variable to use the CLI tool from anywhere.
4. Open a command prompt and navigate to the folder where you want to install F# Tools.
5. Run "nuget install FSharp.Compiler.Tools -Version {version}", where {version} is replaced with a version from https://www.nuget.org/packages/FSharp.Compiler.Tools
6. Add the 'tools' directory to your PATH Environment Variable and then you will be able to use fsc and fsi from the command line.

Answer 7

I run F# 3.0 from the cygwin command line on Windows 7. You need to know a little about Linux/Unix to use cygwin, but the basics are not too difficult. You need the basic cygwin shell (command interpreter) and an editor. I am used to vi, so cygwin has vim (there exists a nice F# syntax color addon to vim).

You need to:

1. Install visual studio in order to get F#
2. in /users/myname/.bashrc add the location of Fsc.exe, which in my case is /cygdrive/c/Program Files (x86)/Microsoft SDKs/F#/3.0/Framework/v4.0 to your PATH.