The Global Assembly Cache (GAC) is a special folder in Windows where shared .NET assemblies (libraries) are stored. These assemblies are designed to be used by multiple applications on the same machine, allowing for easy sharing and version management.
In other word we can say, The GAC is a centralized location on your Windows system where shared .NET assemblies are stored for use by multiple applications. You can find it in the C:\Windows\Microsoft.NET\assembly\ directory, and it helps manage shared resources and versions effectively.
Purpose of the GAC:
The GAC stores assemblies that need to be shared among different applications. Instead of each application having its own copy of a common library, the library is placed in the GAC, and all applications reference it from there.
Why Use the GAC?
Version Control: The GAC allows multiple versions of the same assembly to coexist, ensuring that different applications can use different versions of the library without conflicts.
Reduced Redundancy: By storing shared assemblies in one place, you reduce duplication and save disk space.
Where Can You Find the GAC?
On a Windows machine, you can find the GAC in the following directory:
For 32-bit assemblies: C:\Windows\Microsoft.NET\assembly\GAC_32
For 64-bit assemblies: C:\Windows\Microsoft.NET\assembly\GAC_64
You can also view the contents of the GAC using the Developer Command Prompt for Visual Studio by typing the command gacutil -l.
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