Suppress the <dependencies> element when packing a project

[jnm2]

Via #4059 (comment)

When I pack my project using msbuild /t:pack, the generated nuspec contains an empty dependencies section. I'd like to be able to entirely remove the <dependencies> element:

    <dependencies>
      <group targetFramework=".NETFramework4.6.2" />
    </dependencies>

To me it makes sense to remove it by default if there are no dependencies, but if removing it can't be the default behavior for some reason, could I have some way to suppress it? In order of preference:

1. Remove it by default if there are no dependencies
2. A project-level <SuppressDependencies> property
3. A command line switch I could use when calling msbuild

Edit: the new property to use is <SuppressDependenciesWhenPacking>.

[jnm2]

The only case where it makes sense to insert this is when there are no net462 or lower folders, to allow the package to install.

[dazinator]

It seems I have logged a similar issue here: dotnet/msbuild#3044

What is the outcome of this?

[chuanboz]

I also want this to build source code only package, any update for this?

[bording]

@rohit21agrawal This something I'd like to see supported as well. Any thoughts on the feasibility of doing this?

[adamralph]

I really need this too.

[gitfool]

I had the same problem until now. Adding the following to the csproj file works for me:

<PropertyGroup>
  <SuppressDependenciesWhenPacking>true</SuppressDependenciesWhenPacking>
</PropertyGroup>

See NuGet/NuGet.Client#2237. (Note that the property was renamed along the way.)

[adamralph]

Thanks @gitfool, that works perfectly!

If only these things were documented... or at least if only someone from the NuGet team could have told us this earlier...

[adamralph]

FTR this is a dup of #6354 and I believe it can be closed.

[jnm2]

Yes, thanks for finding!

[mujdatdinc]

This is not working as expected. Looks like only one guy is using this.

[jnm2]

@mujdatdinc It's been working for me and several others. Can you clarify what you are doing and what you expect to see?