---
title: "What is the purpose of the Global Assembly Cache (GAC) in .NET Core?"  
description: "What is the purpose of the Global Assembly Cache (GAC) in .NET Core?"  
author: "Utpal Vishwas"  
published: 2023-06-25  
updated: 2023-06-28  
canonical: https://www.mindstick.com/forum/158850/what-is-the-purpose-of-the-global-assembly-cache-gac-in-dot-net-core  
category: ".net core"  
tags: ["asp.net", "asp.net core", ".net core"]  
reading_time: 2 minutes  

---

# What is the purpose of the Global Assembly Cache (GAC) in .NET Core?

What is the [purpose](https://yourviews.mindstick.com/view/247/no-fail-policy-failing-its-purpose) of the [Global](https://www.mindstick.com/articles/13127/macro-and-microeconomics-concepts-in-relation-to-global-organization-management) [Assembly](https://www.mindstick.com/articles/25/global-assembly-cache) [Cache](https://www.mindstick.com/blog/222/clearing-cache-in-asp-dot-net) ([GAC](https://www.mindstick.com/blog/339/gac-global-assembly-cache-in-dot-net)) in .NET Core?

## Replies

### Reply by Aryan Kumar

The Global Assembly Cache (GAC) is a central repository of assemblies that can be shared by multiple applications. Assemblies are compiled code modules that contain classes, interfaces, and other types that can be used by applications.

In .NET Core, the GAC is no longer used by default. Instead, assemblies are installed in the application's directory or in a folder that is specified in the application's configuration file. This allows applications to be more portable and to avoid the security risks that can be associated with the GAC.

However, the GAC can still be used in .NET Core applications if necessary. To do this, you can use the `gacutil.exe` tool to install an assembly into the GAC. Once an assembly is installed in the GAC, it can be used by any application that is running on the same computer.

Here are some of the benefits of using the GAC:

- **Sharing assemblies:** The GAC allows assemblies to be shared by multiple applications. This can save disk space and improve performance.
- **Security:** The GAC can help to improve the security of applications by preventing them from loading assemblies from untrusted sources.
- **Portability:** The GAC can make applications more portable by allowing them to load assemblies that are installed in the GAC on any computer.

However, there are also some drawbacks to using the GAC:

- **Size:** The GAC can take up a lot of disk space if it contains a large number of assemblies.
- **Security:** The GAC can be a security risk if it contains assemblies that are not properly signed or that are malicious.
- **Complexity:** The GAC can add complexity to the development and deployment of applications.

Overall, the GAC is a powerful tool that can be used to share assemblies and improve the security of applications. However, it is important to weigh the benefits and drawbacks before deciding whether to use it.


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Original Source: https://www.mindstick.com/forum/158850/what-is-the-purpose-of-the-global-assembly-cache-gac-in-dot-net-core

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