IronBarCode Advanced Installation
IronBarCode is a powerful library, and we aim to support as many environments as possible. To achieve this, we package files separately for different platforms. A single, all-in-one package would lead to unnecessary downloads for most users. Instead, IronBarCode provides advanced tools to install the library specifically for your target environment.
Instead of installing the IronBarCode
NuGet Package, we can search for specific packages on NuGet. The functionality and API of all packages remain the same; however, the way they develop might be slightly different.
This article aims to provide a clear comparison and acts as a recommended guide to suggest the most optimal IronBarCode
that fits your needs!
BarCode NuGet Package






Most commonly used. Configured to get you up and running in Visual Studio as quickly as possible. Suitable for most projects.
- Contains BarCode.Slim
- Contains BarCode.Detection
- Contains IronSoftware.ReaderInternals.Windows, a Windows-specific dependency
BarCode.Slim NuGet Package

Does not include the Machine Learning feature for detecting barcodes.
PM > Install-Package BarCode.Slim
- All other packages reference this package.
- Contains the actual IronBarCode.dll.
- Does NOT include Windows, Linux, or macOS-specific dependencies.
- Does NOT include
Barcode.Detection
.
Please note
Barcode.Detection
for better results.BarCode.Detection NuGet Package

An advanced package that utilizes Machine Learning for more accurate barcode detection, allowing developers to freely customize the parameters to suit their needs.
PM > Install-Package BarCode.Detection
- Supports all platforms.
- Included in the base BarCode package.
BarCode.Linux








Designed with cloud and Linux-based OS in mind, works particularly well for AWS & Lambda, Azure Functions, and WebApps in Linux mode. To set it up for Linux, check out this guide.
PM > Install-Package BarCode.Linux
- Contains
BarCode.Slim
- Contains
BarCode.Detection
- Contains
IronSoftware.ReaderInternals.Linux
, a Linux-specific dependency
BarCode.MacOs & BarCode.MacOs.ARM NuGet Packages


These two packages are specifically tailored for macOS & macOS.ARM users to allow developers to utilize and integrate IronBarCode in their macOS-based applications. For more information, please refer to this setup guide for macOS.
Install-Package BarCode.MacOs
PM > Install-Package BarCode.MacOs.ARM
- Contains
BarCode.Slim
- Contains
BarCode.Detection
- Contains
IronSoftware.ReaderInternals.iOS
orIronSoftware.ReaderInternals.MacOs.ARM
, a macOS-specific dependency
BarCode.iOS NuGet Package

IronBarCode offers an iOS package that is designed specifically for mobile-based iOS applications. Easily integrate IronBarCode as a standalone barcode reader or integrate with existing applications. For more information on how to set up IronBarCode on iOS, please refer to this setup guide.
PM > Install-Package BarCode.iOS
- Contains
BarCode.Slim
- Contains
IronSoftware.ReaderInternals.iOS
, an iOS-specific dependency
BarCode.Android NuGet Package

Similarly, IronBarCode also offers an Android experience, allowing developers to develop on both platforms with no barriers. For more information on how to set up IronBarCode on Android, please refer to this setup guide.
PM > Install-Package BarCode.Android
- Contains
BarCode.Slim
- Contains
IronSoftware.ReaderInternals.Android
, an Android-specific dependency
Frequently Asked Questions
What is IronBarCode?
IronBarCode is a powerful library designed to support barcode generation and detection in various environments. It provides platform-specific packages to optimize performance and reduce unnecessary downloads.
Why are there different NuGet packages for IronBarCode?
Different NuGet packages are available to cater to specific platforms, reducing unnecessary downloads and optimizing performance for each environment, such as Windows, Linux, macOS, iOS, and Android.
What does the BarCode NuGet package include?
The BarCode NuGet package includes BarCode.Slim, BarCode.Detection, and IronSoftware.ReaderInternals.Windows, which is a Windows-specific dependency designed to get developers up and running quickly in Visual Studio.
What is the BarCode.Slim package?
The BarCode.Slim NuGet package contains the core IronBarCode.dll with the smallest footprint, without Windows, Linux, or macOS-specific dependencies. It does not include the Machine Learning feature for detecting barcodes, thus requiring Barcode.Detection for better performance in noisy environments.
What is the purpose of the BarCode.Detection package?
The BarCode.Detection package utilizes Machine Learning for more accurate barcode detection. It supports all platforms and is included in the base BarCode package, allowing developers to customize detection parameters.
How is the BarCode.Linux package tailored for Linux environments?
The BarCode.Linux package is designed for cloud and Linux-based OS, particularly suited for AWS, Azure Functions, and WebApps in Linux mode. It includes Linux-specific dependencies to optimize performance.
What are the differences between BarCode.MacOs and BarCode.MacOs.ARM packages?
The BarCode.MacOs package is tailored for macOS users, while BarCode.MacOs.ARM is specifically for macOS ARM architectures. Both allow integration of IronBarCode in macOS applications with respective macOS-specific dependencies.
Can IronBarCode be used for mobile applications?
Yes, IronBarCode has specific packages for mobile platforms, including BarCode.iOS for iOS applications and BarCode.Android for Android applications, each with platform-specific dependencies.
Do I need to install all IronBarCode packages for full functionality?
No, you only need to install the package specific to your target environment. Each package is tailored to support specific platforms, and all provide the same core functionality of IronBarCode.
Where can I find setup guides for different platforms?
Setup guides for different platforms, including Linux, macOS, iOS, and Android, are available on the IronSoftware website. Each guide provides detailed instructions on how to install and configure IronBarCode for the respective environment.