Getting an executable from a C# Github Repository

This is a quick blog. I had this issue years ago but I realize people I know, whether it be coworkers, friends or even connections on LinkedIn do not know how to approach this problem and it is nothing to be ashamed of. Remember we learn every day no matter our level of experience.

So let me show you how to get an executable from a C# repository on GitHub. Let’s jump right into it.

Disclaimer: Before you lot riot, yes this is only for my Windows peeps. If you want Linux, let me know. :-)

In this example let us use a repository for a tool called Certify. I won’t go into detail about what it is with my nerdy cyber security self but all you need to know for now is that it is a C# repository.

Let’s download the zip:

Download and install Visual Studio. It can be the Community version, doesn’t matter.

Let’s extract it and see what is inside:

Now open Visual Studio and below where you see the highlighted solution file (.sln):

Once you import it, click on “Batch Build” in the build list within Visual Studio, and you should see the options below come up. Let’s build on the release configuration:

You should now see it build the project successfully:

Browse to the bin folder and you should now see the executable:

Let’s run it and see if it works:

Eureka! Just like that, you have created an executable from a C# repository.