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Using F# On Mac and Linux (with Mono)

Installing Mono on Mac and Linux

For Mac OS/X users, install Mono

For Debian users, use your package manager to get

     mono-runtime 
     mono-gac
     mono-tools
     libmono-winforms2.0-cil
     libmono-system-runtime2.0-cil

You must get the last two packages! Get the packages like this

     sudo apt-get install <package names>

or use Synaptic Package Manager

Getting and Installing F#

Download the latest version of F#

Unzip the distribution file. Then

    cd FSharp-1.9.9.9   (or other)


    chmod u+x install-mono.sh


    sudo ./install-mono.sh   

Now follow the instructions to get a copy of mono.snk. Then rerun install-mono.sh

    sudo ./install-mono.sh   

Look carefully for failures etc.

Using F# Interactive (fsi.exe)

Start the F# Interactive command line compiler:

        bin/fsi.exe 

Type your first F# program:

        printfn "hello world"

You're off!

Using the F# Compiler (fsc.exe)

Run the F# Interactive command line compiler:

        bin/fsc.exe --resident

The --resident flag makes the compiler faster on subsequent invocations.

FAQ

What should I use to edit my code?

If you are only running code on Mono/Linux/Mac, and developing on Windows, then you should use the Visual Studio 2008 Shell (Integrated Mode) plus F#, or use Visual Studio 2010. Mount your Mac/Linux directory.

If developing on Mac/Linux, there are many choices. At the time of writing the following editors have specific support for F#, either builtin or through addons provided by the F# community:

        TextMate


        Emacs


        VIM

Other choices are GEdit.

Why is mono.snk required?

This is required because FSharp.Core.dll is strong-named with a .NET release key. Mono treats these DLLs using special rules, and the DLL must be strong-named with the Mono key. This doesn't affect the logical identity of the DLL. The install-mono.sh script tells you where to get a copy of mono.snk.

Why does the F# compiler (fsc.exe) take a while to compile an empty file?

This is because the compiler is not pre-compiled. Use the --resident flag, and your subsequent compiler invocations will be faster.

Why does the F# interactive (fsi.exe) take a while to respond to first input?

This is for the same reason.

Why do I get a "Missing System.Runtime.Remoting.dll" error?

You must install these mono packages:

     libmono-winforms2.0-cil
     libmono-system-runtime2.0-cil

If you don't, you will get a "missing System.Runtime.Remoting.dll" exception, among others.

I always get "warning FS0000: Could not determine highest installed .NET framework version from Registry keys, using version 2.0"

This was a known problem with F# 1.9.7.8. Upgrade to F# 1.9.9.9.