---
title: Razor file compilation in ASP.NET Core
author: rick-anderson
description: Learn how compilation of Razor files occurs in an ASP.NET Core app.
ms.author: riande
ms.custom: mvc
ms.date: 4/8/2020
uid: mvc/views/view-compilation
---
# Razor file compilation in ASP.NET Core
By [Rick Anderson](https://twitter.com/RickAndMSFT)
::: moniker range=">= aspnetcore-3.0"
Razor files with a *.cshtml* extension are compiled at both build and publish time using the [Razor SDK](xref:razor-pages/sdk). Runtime compilation may be optionally enabled by configuring your application.
## Razor compilation
Build- and publish-time compilation of Razor files is enabled by default by the Razor SDK. When enabled, runtime compilation complements build-time compilation, allowing Razor files to be updated if they are edited.
## Runtime compilation
To enable runtime compilation for all environments and configuration modes:
1. Install the [Microsoft.AspNetCore.Mvc.Razor.RuntimeCompilation](https://www.nuget.org/packages/Microsoft.AspNetCore.Mvc.Razor.RuntimeCompilation/) NuGet package.
1. Update the project's `Startup.ConfigureServices` method to include a call to `AddRazorRuntimeCompilation`. For example:
```csharp
public void ConfigureServices(IServiceCollection services)
{
services.AddRazorPages()
.AddRazorRuntimeCompilation();
// code omitted for brevity
}
```
### Conditionally enable runtime compilation
Runtime compilation can be enabled such that it's only available for local development. Conditionally enabling in this manner ensures that the published output:
* Uses compiled views.
* Is smaller in size.
* Doesn't enable file watchers in production.
To enable runtime compilation based on the environment and configuration mode:
1. Conditionally reference the [Microsoft.AspNetCore.Mvc.Razor.RuntimeCompilation](https://www.nuget.org/packages/Microsoft.AspNetCore.Mvc.Razor.RuntimeCompilation/) package based on the active `Configuration` value:
```xml
```
1. Update the project's `Startup.ConfigureServices` method to include a call to `AddRazorRuntimeCompilation`. Conditionally execute `AddRazorRuntimeCompilation` such that it only runs in Debug mode when the `ASPNETCORE_ENVIRONMENT` variable is set to `Development`:
```csharp
public IWebHostEnvironment Env { get; set; }
public void ConfigureServices(IServiceCollection services)
{
IMvcBuilder builder = services.AddRazorPages();
#if DEBUG
if (Env.IsDevelopment())
{
builder.AddRazorRuntimeCompilation();
}
#endif
// code omitted for brevity
}
```
## Additional resources
*
*
*
::: moniker-end
::: moniker range="< aspnetcore-3.0"
A Razor file is compiled at runtime, when the associated Razor Page or MVC view is invoked. Razor files are compiled at both build and publish time using the [Razor SDK](xref:razor-pages/sdk).
## Razor compilation
Build- and publish-time compilation of Razor files is enabled by default by the Razor SDK. Editing Razor files after they're updated is supported at build time. By default, only the compiled *Views.dll* and no *.cshtml* files or references assemblies required to compile Razor files are deployed with your app.
> [!IMPORTANT]
> The precompilation tool has been deprecated, and will be removed in ASP.NET Core 3.0. We recommend migrating to [Razor Sdk](xref:razor-pages/sdk).
>
> The Razor SDK is effective only when no precompilation-specific properties are set in the project file. For instance, setting the *.csproj* file's `MvcRazorCompileOnPublish` property to `true` disables the Razor SDK.
## Runtime compilation
Build-time compilation is supplemented by runtime compilation of Razor files. ASP.NET Core MVC will recompile Razor files when the contents of a *.cshtml* file change.
## Additional resources
*
*
*
::: moniker-end