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Foundational .NET patterns covering runtime, project structure, dependency injection, configuration, metaprogramming, and cross-platform development. Use when working with .NET projects or CLI tools. This is the entry point for .NET development.

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SKILL.md

name lang-dotnet-dev
description Foundational .NET patterns covering runtime, project structure, dependency injection, configuration, metaprogramming, and cross-platform development. Use when working with .NET projects or CLI tools. This is the entry point for .NET development.

.NET Development Skill

Comprehensive foundational patterns for .NET development, covering runtime fundamentals, project structure, dependency injection, configuration management, logging, middleware, metaprogramming, and cross-platform development.

Table of Contents

.NET Runtime and SDK

Runtime Components

The .NET runtime provides the execution environment for .NET applications.

// Runtime information
using System;
using System.Runtime.InteropServices;

public class RuntimeInfo
{
    public static void DisplayRuntimeInfo()
    {
        // Framework description
        Console.WriteLine($"Framework: {RuntimeInformation.FrameworkDescription}");

        // OS description
        Console.WriteLine($"OS: {RuntimeInformation.OSDescription}");

        // Architecture
        Console.WriteLine($"Architecture: {RuntimeInformation.OSArchitecture}");

        // Process architecture
        Console.WriteLine($"Process: {RuntimeInformation.ProcessArchitecture}");

        // Runtime identifier
        Console.WriteLine($"RID: {RuntimeInformation.RuntimeIdentifier}");
    }
}

SDK vs Runtime

# Check installed SDKs
dotnet --list-sdks

# Check installed runtimes
dotnet --list-runtimes

# Check SDK version
dotnet --version

# Display all info
dotnet --info

Global.json Configuration

{
  "sdk": {
    "version": "8.0.0",
    "rollForward": "latestMinor",
    "allowPrerelease": false
  }
}

# Create global.json with specific SDK version
dotnet new globaljson --sdk-version 8.0.100

# Roll forward policies:
# - patch: Use latest patch version
# - feature: Use latest feature band
# - minor: Use latest minor version
# - major: Use latest major version
# - latestPatch: Use latest patch (default)
# - latestMinor: Use latest minor
# - latestMajor: Use latest major
# - disable: Use exact version

.NET Standard vs .NET

// Target Framework Monikers (TFM)

// Modern .NET (cross-platform)
// <TargetFramework>net8.0</TargetFramework>
// <TargetFramework>net7.0</TargetFramework>
// <TargetFramework>net6.0</TargetFramework>

// .NET Standard (compatibility layer)
// <TargetFramework>netstandard2.1</TargetFramework>
// <TargetFramework>netstandard2.0</TargetFramework>

// .NET Framework (Windows only)
// <TargetFramework>net48</TargetFramework>
// <TargetFramework>net472</TargetFramework>

// Multi-targeting
// <TargetFrameworks>net8.0;net6.0;netstandard2.0</TargetFrameworks>

// Conditional compilation
#if NET8_0_OR_GREATER
    // Code for .NET 8+
#elif NET6_0_OR_GREATER
    // Code for .NET 6+
#elif NETSTANDARD2_0
    // Code for .NET Standard 2.0
#endif

Runtime Configuration

// runtimeconfig.json
{
  "runtimeOptions": {
    "tfm": "net8.0",
    "framework": {
      "name": "Microsoft.NETCore.App",
      "version": "8.0.0"
    },
    "configProperties": {
      "System.GC.Server": true,
      "System.GC.Concurrent": true,
      "System.GC.RetainVM": true,
      "System.Runtime.Serialization.EnableUnsafeBinaryFormatterSerialization": false
    }
  }
}

Project Structure

Project File (.csproj)

<Project Sdk="Microsoft.NET.Sdk">

  <!-- Basic Properties -->
  <PropertyGroup>
    <TargetFramework>net8.0</TargetFramework>
    <OutputType>Exe</OutputType>
    <RootNamespace>MyCompany.MyProduct</RootNamespace>
    <AssemblyName>MyProduct</AssemblyName>
    <LangVersion>latest</LangVersion>
    <Nullable>enable</Nullable>
    <ImplicitUsings>enable</ImplicitUsings>
  </PropertyGroup>

  <!-- Package Properties -->
  <PropertyGroup>
    <PackageId>MyCompany.MyProduct</PackageId>
    <Version>1.0.0</Version>
    <Authors>Your Name</Authors>
    <Company>MyCompany</Company>
    <Product>MyProduct</Product>
    <Description>Package description</Description>
    <Copyright>Copyright © 2024</Copyright>
    <PackageLicenseExpression>MIT</PackageLicenseExpression>
    <PackageProjectUrl>https://github.com/mycompany/myproduct</PackageProjectUrl>
    <RepositoryUrl>https://github.com/mycompany/myproduct</RepositoryUrl>
    <RepositoryType>git</RepositoryType>
    <PackageTags>tag1;tag2;tag3</PackageTags>
    <GeneratePackageOnBuild>false</GeneratePackageOnBuild>
  </PropertyGroup>

  <!-- Build Properties -->
  <PropertyGroup>
    <Configuration Condition=" '$(Configuration)' == '' ">Debug</Configuration>
    <Platform Condition=" '$(Platform)' == '' ">AnyCPU</Platform>
    <TreatWarningsAsErrors>true</TreatWarningsAsErrors>
    <WarningsAsErrors />
    <NoWarn>CS1591</NoWarn>
    <GenerateDocumentationFile>true</GenerateDocumentationFile>
  </PropertyGroup>

  <!-- Debug Configuration -->
  <PropertyGroup Condition="'$(Configuration)' == 'Debug'">
    <DebugType>full</DebugType>
    <DebugSymbols>true</DebugSymbols>
    <Optimize>false</Optimize>
    <DefineConstants>DEBUG;TRACE</DefineConstants>
  </PropertyGroup>

  <!-- Release Configuration -->
  <PropertyGroup Condition="'$(Configuration)' == 'Release'">
    <DebugType>pdbonly</DebugType>
    <DebugSymbols>true</DebugSymbols>
    <Optimize>true</Optimize>
    <DefineConstants>TRACE</DefineConstants>
  </PropertyGroup>

  <!-- Package References -->
  <ItemGroup>
    <PackageReference Include="Microsoft.Extensions.DependencyInjection" Version="8.0.0" />
    <PackageReference Include="Microsoft.Extensions.Configuration" Version="8.0.0" />
    <PackageReference Include="Microsoft.Extensions.Logging" Version="8.0.0" />
  </ItemGroup>

  <!-- Project References -->
  <ItemGroup>
    <ProjectReference Include="..\MyLibrary\MyLibrary.csproj" />
  </ItemGroup>

  <!-- Conditional Package References -->
  <ItemGroup Condition="'$(TargetFramework)' == 'net8.0'">
    <PackageReference Include="System.Text.Json" Version="8.0.0" />
  </ItemGroup>

  <!-- Content Files -->
  <ItemGroup>
    <Content Include="appsettings.json">
      <CopyToOutputDirectory>PreserveNewest</CopyToOutputDirectory>
    </Content>
    <Content Include="appsettings.*.json">
      <CopyToOutputDirectory>PreserveNewest</CopyToOutputDirectory>
      <DependentUpon>appsettings.json</DependentUpon>
    </Content>
  </ItemGroup>

  <!-- Embedded Resources -->
  <ItemGroup>
    <EmbeddedResource Include="Resources\*.txt" />
  </ItemGroup>

  <!-- None Items -->
  <ItemGroup>
    <None Include="README.md" Pack="true" PackagePath="\" />
    <None Include="LICENSE" Pack="true" PackagePath="\" />
  </ItemGroup>

</Project>

Solution File (.sln)

# Create a new solution
dotnet new sln -n MySolution

# Add projects to solution
dotnet sln add src/MyApp/MyApp.csproj
dotnet sln add src/MyLibrary/MyLibrary.csproj
dotnet sln add tests/MyApp.Tests/MyApp.Tests.csproj

# List projects in solution
dotnet sln list

# Remove project from solution
dotnet sln remove src/OldProject/OldProject.csproj

Directory Structure

MySolution/
├── .gitignore
├── .editorconfig
├── global.json
├── MySolution.sln
├── Directory.Build.props         # Shared properties for all projects
├── Directory.Build.targets       # Shared targets for all projects
├── Directory.Packages.props      # Central package management
├── src/
│   ├── MyApp/
│   │   ├── MyApp.csproj
│   │   ├── Program.cs
│   │   ├── appsettings.json
│   │   ├── appsettings.Development.json
│   │   └── Controllers/
│   │       └── WeatherController.cs
│   └── MyLibrary/
│       ├── MyLibrary.csproj
│       ├── Class1.cs
│       └── Interfaces/
│           └── IMyService.cs
├── tests/
│   ├── MyApp.Tests/
│   │   ├── MyApp.Tests.csproj
│   │   └── UnitTest1.cs
│   └── MyLibrary.Tests/
│       ├── MyLibrary.Tests.csproj
│       └── Class1Tests.cs
├── docs/
│   └── README.md
└── tools/
    └── build.ps1

Directory.Build.props

<Project>

  <!-- Common properties for all projects -->
  <PropertyGroup>
    <LangVersion>latest</LangVersion>
    <Nullable>enable</Nullable>
    <ImplicitUsings>enable</ImplicitUsings>
    <TreatWarningsAsErrors>true</TreatWarningsAsErrors>
  </PropertyGroup>

  <!-- Version properties -->
  <PropertyGroup>
    <VersionPrefix>1.0.0</VersionPrefix>
    <VersionSuffix Condition="'$(Configuration)' == 'Debug'">dev</VersionSuffix>
  </PropertyGroup>

  <!-- Source Link (for debugging) -->
  <PropertyGroup>
    <PublishRepositoryUrl>true</PublishRepositoryUrl>
    <EmbedUntrackedSources>true</EmbedUntrackedSources>
    <IncludeSymbols>true</IncludeSymbols>
    <SymbolPackageFormat>snupkg</SymbolPackageFormat>
  </PropertyGroup>

  <ItemGroup>
    <PackageReference Include="Microsoft.SourceLink.GitHub" Version="8.0.0" PrivateAssets="All" />
  </ItemGroup>

</Project>

Directory.Packages.props (Central Package Management)

<Project>

  <PropertyGroup>
    <ManagePackageVersionsCentrally>true</ManagePackageVersionsCentrally>
  </PropertyGroup>

  <ItemGroup>
    <!-- Common packages -->
    <PackageVersion Include="Microsoft.Extensions.DependencyInjection" Version="8.0.0" />
    <PackageVersion Include="Microsoft.Extensions.Configuration" Version="8.0.0" />
    <PackageVersion Include="Microsoft.Extensions.Logging" Version="8.0.0" />

    <!-- Test packages -->
    <PackageVersion Include="Microsoft.NET.Test.Sdk" Version="17.8.0" />
    <PackageVersion Include="xunit" Version="2.6.2" />
    <PackageVersion Include="xunit.runner.visualstudio" Version="2.5.4" />
    <PackageVersion Include="coverlet.collector" Version="6.0.0" />
  </ItemGroup>

</Project>

CLI Tools

dotnet new

# List available templates
dotnet new list

# Common templates
dotnet new console -n MyConsoleApp
dotnet new classlib -n MyLibrary
dotnet new web -n MyWebApp
dotnet new webapi -n MyApi
dotnet new mvc -n MyMvcApp
dotnet new razor -n MyRazorApp
dotnet new blazorserver -n MyBlazorApp
dotnet new blazorwasm -n MyBlazorWasmApp
dotnet new worker -n MyWorkerService
dotnet new xunit -n MyTests
dotnet new nunit -n MyNUnitTests
dotnet new mstest -n MyMSTests

# Create with options
dotnet new console -n MyApp -f net8.0 -o src/MyApp
dotnet new webapi -n MyApi --use-controllers --auth Individual

# Install templates
dotnet new install Amazon.Lambda.Templates
dotnet new install Microsoft.AspNetCore.SpaTemplates

# Uninstall templates
dotnet new uninstall Amazon.Lambda.Templates

# Create from template with language
dotnet new console -n MyApp -lang "F#"
dotnet new classlib -n MyLib -lang "VB"

dotnet build

# Build project
dotnet build

# Build with configuration
dotnet build -c Release
dotnet build --configuration Debug

# Build specific framework
dotnet build -f net8.0

# Build with no dependencies
dotnet build --no-dependencies

# Build with no restore
dotnet build --no-restore

# Build with specific runtime
dotnet build -r win-x64
dotnet build -r linux-x64
dotnet build -r osx-x64
dotnet build -r osx-arm64

# Build verbosity
dotnet build -v quiet
dotnet build -v minimal
dotnet build -v normal
dotnet build -v detailed
dotnet build -v diagnostic

# Build and output to directory
dotnet build -o ./output

dotnet run

# Run project
dotnet run

# Run with configuration
dotnet run -c Release

# Run with framework
dotnet run -f net8.0

# Run with arguments
dotnet run -- arg1 arg2
dotnet run --project ./src/MyApp/MyApp.csproj

# Run with environment
dotnet run --environment Production
ASPNETCORE_ENVIRONMENT=Production dotnet run

# Run without build
dotnet run --no-build

# Run without restore
dotnet run --no-restore

# Run with launch profile
dotnet run --launch-profile "Production"

dotnet publish

# Publish for deployment
dotnet publish

# Publish with configuration
dotnet publish -c Release

# Publish with runtime (self-contained)
dotnet publish -r win-x64 --self-contained
dotnet publish -r linux-x64 -p:PublishSingleFile=true
dotnet publish -r osx-arm64 --self-contained

# Publish framework-dependent
dotnet publish -r win-x64 --self-contained false

# Publish with trimming
dotnet publish -c Release -r linux-x64 --self-contained -p:PublishTrimmed=true
dotnet publish -c Release -p:PublishTrimmed=true -p:TrimMode=full

# Publish as single file
dotnet publish -r win-x64 -p:PublishSingleFile=true -p:IncludeNativeLibrariesForSelfContained=true

# Publish ReadyToRun
dotnet publish -c Release -r win-x64 -p:PublishReadyToRun=true

# Publish to folder
dotnet publish -o ./publish

# Publish with version
dotnet publish -p:Version=1.2.3

dotnet restore

# Restore dependencies
dotnet restore

# Restore with specific source
dotnet restore --source https://api.nuget.org/v3/index.json
dotnet restore -s ./local-packages

# Restore for specific runtime
dotnet restore -r win-x64

# Restore with locked mode (use packages.lock.json)
dotnet restore --locked-mode

# Force evaluation of all dependencies
dotnet restore --force

# Restore without cache
dotnet restore --no-cache

dotnet test

# Run tests
dotnet test

# Run tests with configuration
dotnet test -c Release

# Run tests with verbosity
dotnet test -v normal
dotnet test --verbosity detailed

# Run tests with filter
dotnet test --filter FullyQualifiedName~MyNamespace
dotnet test --filter Category=Unit
dotnet test --filter "Priority=1|Category=Smoke"

# Run tests with coverage
dotnet test --collect:"XPlat Code Coverage"
dotnet test /p:CollectCoverage=true

# Run tests with logger
dotnet test --logger "trx;LogFileName=test-results.trx"
dotnet test --logger "html;LogFileName=test-results.html"

# Run tests without build
dotnet test --no-build

dotnet clean

# Clean build outputs
dotnet clean

# Clean with configuration
dotnet clean -c Release

# Clean specific framework
dotnet clean -f net8.0

# Clean and remove obj folder
dotnet clean
rm -rf **/obj

dotnet pack

# Create NuGet package
dotnet pack

# Pack with configuration
dotnet pack -c Release

# Pack with version
dotnet pack -p:Version=1.2.3

# Pack without build
dotnet pack --no-build

# Pack to output directory
dotnet pack -o ./packages

# Include symbols
dotnet pack -p:IncludeSymbols=true -p:SymbolPackageFormat=snupkg

dotnet add/remove

# Add package
dotnet add package Microsoft.Extensions.Logging
dotnet add package Newtonsoft.Json --version 13.0.3

# Add package from source
dotnet add package MyPackage --source ./local-packages

# Add package to specific project
dotnet add src/MyApp/MyApp.csproj package Serilog

# Remove package
dotnet remove package Newtonsoft.Json

# Add project reference
dotnet add reference ../MyLibrary/MyLibrary.csproj

# Remove project reference
dotnet remove reference ../MyLibrary/MyLibrary.csproj

dotnet list

# List packages
dotnet list package
dotnet list package --outdated
dotnet list package --deprecated
dotnet list package --vulnerable

# List project references
dotnet list reference

# List projects in solution
dotnet sln list

dotnet tool

# Install global tool
dotnet tool install -g dotnet-ef
dotnet tool install -g dotnet-format

# Install local tool
dotnet new tool-manifest
dotnet tool install dotnet-ef

# List tools
dotnet tool list -g
dotnet tool list

# Update tool
dotnet tool update -g dotnet-ef
dotnet tool update dotnet-ef

# Uninstall tool
dotnet tool uninstall -g dotnet-ef
dotnet tool uninstall dotnet-ef

# Run tool
dotnet ef --version
dotnet format

Project Types

Console Application

// Program.cs (Top-level statements)
using Microsoft.Extensions.DependencyInjection;
using Microsoft.Extensions.Hosting;
using Microsoft.Extensions.Logging;

var builder = Host.CreateApplicationBuilder(args);

// Configure services
builder.Services.AddTransient<IMyService, MyService>();
builder.Services.AddLogging(logging =>
{
    logging.AddConsole();
    logging.AddDebug();
});

var host = builder.Build();

// Run application
var service = host.Services.GetRequiredService<IMyService>();
await service.RunAsync();

await host.RunAsync();

// Service implementation
public interface IMyService
{
    Task RunAsync();
}

public class MyService : IMyService
{
    private readonly ILogger<MyService> _logger;

    public MyService(ILogger<MyService> logger)
    {
        _logger = logger;
    }

    public async Task RunAsync()
    {
        _logger.LogInformation("Service started at {Time}", DateTime.UtcNow);
        await Task.Delay(1000);
        _logger.LogInformation("Service completed at {Time}", DateTime.UtcNow);
    }
}

Class Library

// MyLibrary.csproj
/*
<Project Sdk="Microsoft.NET.Sdk">
  <PropertyGroup>
    <TargetFramework>net8.0</TargetFramework>
    <Nullable>enable</Nullable>
    <ImplicitUsings>enable</ImplicitUsings>
  </PropertyGroup>
</Project>
*/

namespace MyLibrary;

/// <summary>
/// Calculator service for basic arithmetic operations.
/// </summary>
public class Calculator
{
    /// <summary>
    /// Adds two numbers.
    /// </summary>
    /// <param name="a">First number</param>
    /// <param name="b">Second number</param>
    /// <returns>Sum of a and b</returns>
    public int Add(int a, int b) => a + b;

    /// <summary>
    /// Subtracts two numbers.
    /// </summary>
    /// <param name="a">First number</param>
    /// <param name="b">Second number</param>
    /// <returns>Difference of a and b</returns>
    public int Subtract(int a, int b) => a - b;
}

Web API

// Program.cs
using Microsoft.AspNetCore.Builder;
using Microsoft.Extensions.DependencyInjection;
using Microsoft.Extensions.Hosting;

var builder = WebApplication.CreateBuilder(args);

// Add services to the container
builder.Services.AddControllers();
builder.Services.AddEndpointsApiExplorer();
builder.Services.AddSwaggerGen();

// CORS
builder.Services.AddCors(options =>
{
    options.AddDefaultPolicy(policy =>
    {
        policy.AllowAnyOrigin()
              .AllowAnyMethod()
              .AllowAnyHeader();
    });
});

var app = builder.Build();

// Configure the HTTP request pipeline
if (app.Environment.IsDevelopment())
{
    app.UseSwagger();
    app.UseSwaggerUI();
}

app.UseHttpsRedirection();
app.UseCors();
app.UseAuthorization();
app.MapControllers();

app.Run();

// Controllers/WeatherController.cs
using Microsoft.AspNetCore.Mvc;

namespace MyApi.Controllers;

[ApiController]
[Route("api/[controller]")]
public class WeatherController : ControllerBase
{
    private static readonly string[] Summaries = new[]
    {
        "Freezing", "Bracing", "Chilly", "Cool", "Mild",
        "Warm", "Balmy", "Hot", "Sweltering", "Scorching"
    };

    private readonly ILogger<WeatherController> _logger;

    public WeatherController(ILogger<WeatherController> logger)
    {
        _logger = logger;
    }

    [HttpGet]
    public IEnumerable<WeatherForecast> Get()
    {
        _logger.LogInformation("Getting weather forecast");

        return Enumerable.Range(1, 5).Select(index => new WeatherForecast
        {
            Date = DateOnly.FromDateTime(DateTime.Now.AddDays(index)),
            TemperatureC = Random.Shared.Next(-20, 55),
            Summary = Summaries[Random.Shared.Next(Summaries.Length)]
        })
        .ToArray();
    }

    [HttpGet("{id}")]
    public ActionResult<WeatherForecast> GetById(int id)
    {
        if (id < 1 || id > 5)
            return NotFound();

        return new WeatherForecast
        {
            Date = DateOnly.FromDateTime(DateTime.Now.AddDays(id)),
            TemperatureC = Random.Shared.Next(-20, 55),
            Summary = Summaries[Random.Shared.Next(Summaries.Length)]
        };
    }

    [HttpPost]
    public ActionResult<WeatherForecast> Create(WeatherForecast forecast)
    {
        _logger.LogInformation("Creating weather forecast");
        return CreatedAtAction(nameof(GetById), new { id = 1 }, forecast);
    }
}

public record WeatherForecast
{
    public DateOnly Date { get; init; }
    public int TemperatureC { get; init; }
    public int TemperatureF => 32 + (int)(TemperatureC / 0.5556);
    public string? Summary { get; init; }
}

Worker Service

// Program.cs
using Microsoft.Extensions.DependencyInjection;
using Microsoft.Extensions.Hosting;

var builder = Host.CreateApplicationBuilder(args);
builder.Services.AddHostedService<Worker>();

var host = builder.Build();
await host.RunAsync();

// Worker.cs
using Microsoft.Extensions.Hosting;
using Microsoft.Extensions.Logging;

public class Worker : BackgroundService
{
    private readonly ILogger<Worker> _logger;

    public Worker(ILogger<Worker> logger)
    {
        _logger = logger;
    }

    protected override async Task ExecuteAsync(CancellationToken stoppingToken)
    {
        while (!stoppingToken.IsCancellationRequested)
        {
            _logger.LogInformation("Worker running at: {time}", DateTimeOffset.Now);
            await Task.Delay(10000, stoppingToken);
        }
    }

    public override async Task StartAsync(CancellationToken cancellationToken)
    {
        _logger.LogInformation("Worker starting");
        await base.StartAsync(cancellationToken);
    }

    public override async Task StopAsync(CancellationToken cancellationToken)
    {
        _logger.LogInformation("Worker stopping");
        await base.StopAsync(cancellationToken);
    }
}

Dependency Injection

Service Lifetimes

using Microsoft.Extensions.DependencyInjection;
using Microsoft.Extensions.Hosting;

var builder = Host.CreateApplicationBuilder(args);

// Transient: Created each time requested
builder.Services.AddTransient<ITransientService, TransientService>();

// Scoped: Created once per scope (request in web apps)
builder.Services.AddScoped<IScopedService, ScopedService>();

// Singleton: Created once for application lifetime
builder.Services.AddSingleton<ISingletonService, SingletonService>();

// Singleton instance
builder.Services.AddSingleton<IConfigService>(new ConfigService("config"));

// Singleton factory
builder.Services.AddSingleton<IFactoryService>(sp =>
{
    var logger = sp.GetRequiredService<ILogger<FactoryService>>();
    return new FactoryService(logger);
});

var host = builder.Build();

Service Registration Patterns

using Microsoft.Extensions.DependencyInjection;

public static class ServiceCollectionExtensions
{
    // Extension method for clean registration
    public static IServiceCollection AddMyServices(
        this IServiceCollection services)
    {
        services.AddTransient<IMyService, MyService>();
        services.AddScoped<IDataService, DataService>();
        services.AddSingleton<ICacheService, CacheService>();

        return services;
    }

    // Generic registration
    public static IServiceCollection AddRepository<TEntity>(
        this IServiceCollection services)
        where TEntity : class
    {
        services.AddScoped<IRepository<TEntity>, Repository<TEntity>>();
        return services;
    }

    // Conditional registration
    public static IServiceCollection AddConditionalService(
        this IServiceCollection services,
        bool condition)
    {
        if (condition)
        {
            services.AddTransient<IService, ServiceA>();
        }
        else
        {
            services.AddTransient<IService, ServiceB>();
        }

        return services;
    }

    // TryAdd - only adds if not already registered
    public static IServiceCollection AddDefaultServices(
        this IServiceCollection services)
    {
        services.TryAddTransient<IMyService, MyService>();
        services.TryAddScoped<IDataService, DataService>();
        services.TryAddSingleton<ICacheService, CacheService>();

        return services;
    }

    // Replace service
    public static IServiceCollection ReplaceService(
        this IServiceCollection services)
    {
        services.Replace(ServiceDescriptor.Transient<IMyService, NewMyService>());
        return services;
    }

    // Remove service
    public static IServiceCollection RemoveService(
        this IServiceCollection services)
    {
        var descriptor = services.FirstOrDefault(d => d.ServiceType == typeof(IMyService));
        if (descriptor != null)
        {
            services.Remove(descriptor);
        }

        return services;
    }
}

Constructor Injection

public interface IEmailService
{
    Task SendEmailAsync(string to, string subject, string body);
}

public interface ILogger<T>
{
    void LogInformation(string message);
}

public class UserService
{
    private readonly IEmailService _emailService;
    private readonly ILogger<UserService> _logger;
    private readonly IConfiguration _configuration;

    // Constructor injection
    public UserService(
        IEmailService emailService,
        ILogger<UserService> logger,
        IConfiguration configuration)
    {
        _emailService = emailService ?? throw new ArgumentNullException(nameof(emailService));
        _logger = logger ?? throw new ArgumentNullException(nameof(logger));
        _configuration = configuration ?? throw new ArgumentNullException(nameof(configuration));
    }

    public async Task CreateUserAsync(string email, string name)
    {
        _logger.LogInformation("Creating user {Name}", name);

        var welcomeMessage = _configuration["Messages:Welcome"] ?? "Welcome!";
        await _emailService.SendEmailAsync(email, "Welcome", welcomeMessage);
    }
}

Service Resolution

using Microsoft.Extensions.DependencyInjection;

public class ServiceResolver
{
    private readonly IServiceProvider _serviceProvider;

    public ServiceResolver(IServiceProvider serviceProvider)
    {
        _serviceProvider = serviceProvider;
    }

    public void ResolveServices()
    {
        // Get required service (throws if not found)
        var requiredService = _serviceProvider.GetRequiredService<IMyService>();

        // Get service (returns null if not found)
        var optionalService = _serviceProvider.GetService<IOptionalService>();

        // Get all implementations
        var allServices = _serviceProvider.GetServices<IMyService>();

        // Create scope
        using var scope = _serviceProvider.CreateScope();
        var scopedService = scope.ServiceProvider.GetRequiredService<IScopedService>();

        // Resolve with keyed services (.NET 8+)
        var keyedService = _serviceProvider.GetRequiredKeyedService<ICache>("redis");
        var anotherKeyedService = _serviceProvider.GetKeyedService<ICache>("memory");
    }
}

// Keyed services (.NET 8+)
public static class KeyedServiceExtensions
{
    public static IServiceCollection AddKeyedServices(
        this IServiceCollection services)
    {
        services.AddKeyedSingleton<ICache, RedisCache>("redis");
        services.AddKeyedSingleton<ICache, MemoryCache>("memory");

        return services;
    }
}

public class ServiceUsingKeyedDependencies
{
    private readonly ICache _redisCache;
    private readonly ICache _memoryCache;

    public ServiceUsingKeyedDependencies(
        [FromKeyedServices("redis")] ICache redisCache,
        [FromKeyedServices("memory")] ICache memoryCache)
    {
        _redisCache = redisCache;
        _memoryCache = memoryCache;
    }
}

Configuration

appsettings.json

{
  "Logging": {
    "LogLevel": {
      "Default": "Information",
      "Microsoft.AspNetCore": "Warning"
    }
  },
  "AllowedHosts": "*",
  "ConnectionStrings": {
    "DefaultConnection": "Server=localhost;Database=mydb;User Id=sa;Password=P@ssw0rd;",
    "Redis": "localhost:6379"
  },
  "AppSettings": {
    "ApplicationName": "My Application",
    "Version": "1.0.0",
    "Features": {
      "EnableFeatureA": true,
      "EnableFeatureB": false
    }
  },
  "Email": {
    "SmtpServer": "smtp.example.com",
    "SmtpPort": 587,
    "FromAddress": "noreply@example.com",
    "EnableSsl": true
  },
  "Cache": {
    "SlidingExpiration": "00:30:00",
    "AbsoluteExpiration": "01:00:00"
  },
  "ApiClients": {
    "ExternalApi": {
      "BaseUrl": "https://api.example.com",
      "Timeout": "00:00:30",
      "ApiKey": ""
    }
  }
}

Environment-Specific Configuration

// appsettings.Development.json
{
  "Logging": {
    "LogLevel": {
      "Default": "Debug",
      "Microsoft.AspNetCore": "Debug"
    }
  },
  "ConnectionStrings": {
    "DefaultConnection": "Server=localhost;Database=mydb_dev;User Id=dev;Password=dev123;"
  }
}

// appsettings.Production.json
{
  "Logging": {
    "LogLevel": {
      "Default": "Warning",
      "Microsoft.AspNetCore": "Error"
    }
  }
}

// appsettings.Staging.json
{
  "Logging": {
    "LogLevel": {
      "Default": "Information"
    }
  }
}

Configuration Options Pattern

// AppSettings.cs
public class AppSettings
{
    public const string SectionName = "AppSettings";

    public string ApplicationName { get; set; } = string.Empty;
    public string Version { get; set; } = string.Empty;
    public FeatureSettings Features { get; set; } = new();
}

public class FeatureSettings
{
    public bool EnableFeatureA { get; set; }
    public bool EnableFeatureB { get; set; }
}

public class EmailSettings
{
    public const string SectionName = "Email";

    public string SmtpServer { get; set; } = string.Empty;
    public int SmtpPort { get; set; }
    public string FromAddress { get; set; } = string.Empty;
    public bool EnableSsl { get; set; }
}

// Program.cs
var builder = WebApplication.CreateBuilder(args);

// Bind configuration sections to strongly-typed options
builder.Services.Configure<AppSettings>(
    builder.Configuration.GetSection(AppSettings.SectionName));

builder.Services.Configure<EmailSettings>(
    builder.Configuration.GetSection(EmailSettings.SectionName));

// Using IOptions<T>
public class MyService
{
    private readonly AppSettings _appSettings;
    private readonly EmailSettings _emailSettings;

    public MyService(
        IOptions<AppSettings> appOptions,
        IOptions<EmailSettings> emailOptions)
    {
        _appSettings = appOptions.Value;
        _emailSettings = emailOptions.Value;
    }

    public void DoSomething()
    {
        Console.WriteLine(_appSettings.ApplicationName);
        Console.WriteLine(_emailSettings.SmtpServer);
    }
}

// Using IOptionsSnapshot<T> (reloads on change, scoped)
public class MyReloadableService
{
    private readonly IOptionsSnapshot<AppSettings> _appSettings;

    public MyReloadableService(IOptionsSnapshot<AppSettings> appSettings)
    {
        _appSettings = appSettings;
    }

    public void DoSomething()
    {
        // Gets current value (reloaded if config changed)
        Console.WriteLine(_appSettings.Value.ApplicationName);
    }
}

// Using IOptionsMonitor<T> (reloads on change, singleton)
public class MyMonitoredService
{
    private readonly IOptionsMonitor<AppSettings> _appSettings;

    public MyMonitoredService(IOptionsMonitor<AppSettings> appSettings)
    {
        _appSettings = appSettings;

        // Subscribe to changes
        _appSettings.OnChange(settings =>
        {
            Console.WriteLine("Configuration changed!");
        });
    }

    public void DoSomething()
    {
        Console.WriteLine(_appSettings.CurrentValue.ApplicationName);
    }
}

Configuration Sources

using Microsoft.Extensions.Configuration;
using Microsoft.Extensions.Hosting;

var builder = Host.CreateApplicationBuilder(args);

// Clear default sources
builder.Configuration.Sources.Clear();

// Add configuration sources in order (later sources override earlier ones)
builder.Configuration
    .AddJsonFile("appsettings.json", optional: false, reloadOnChange: true)
    .AddJsonFile($"appsettings.{builder.Environment.EnvironmentName}.json", optional: true, reloadOnChange: true)
    .AddXmlFile("config.xml", optional: true, reloadOnChange: true)
    .AddIniFile("config.ini", optional: true, reloadOnChange: true)
    .AddEnvironmentVariables()
    .AddEnvironmentVariables(prefix: "MYAPP_")
    .AddCommandLine(args)
    .AddUserSecrets<Program>() // Development only
    .AddInMemoryCollection(new Dictionary<string, string?>
    {
        ["Key1"] = "Value1",
        ["Key2"] = "Value2"
    });

var host = builder.Build();

User Secrets (Development)

# Initialize user secrets
dotnet user-secrets init

# Set secret
dotnet user-secrets set "ApiKey" "my-secret-key"
dotnet user-secrets set "ConnectionStrings:DefaultConnection" "Server=localhost;Database=mydb;"

# List secrets
dotnet user-secrets list

# Remove secret
dotnet user-secrets remove "ApiKey"

# Clear all secrets
dotnet user-secrets clear

Environment Variables

# Windows (PowerShell)
$env:ASPNETCORE_ENVIRONMENT = "Development"
$env:ConnectionStrings__DefaultConnection = "Server=localhost;Database=mydb;"
$env:AppSettings__ApplicationName = "My App"

# Linux/macOS
export ASPNETCORE_ENVIRONMENT=Development
export ConnectionStrings__DefaultConnection="Server=localhost;Database=mydb;"
export AppSettings__ApplicationName="My App"

# Note: __ (double underscore) represents nested configuration sections
# AppSettings__Features__EnableFeatureA maps to AppSettings:Features:EnableFeatureA

Logging

ILogger Interface

using Microsoft.Extensions.Logging;

public class MyService
{
    private readonly ILogger<MyService> _logger;

    public MyService(ILogger<MyService> logger)
    {
        _logger = logger;
    }

    public void DoWork()
    {
        // Log levels
        _logger.LogTrace("Trace message");
        _logger.LogDebug("Debug message");
        _logger.LogInformation("Information message");
        _logger.LogWarning("Warning message");
        _logger.LogError("Error message");
        _logger.LogCritical("Critical message");

        // Structured logging with parameters
        var userId = 123;
        var userName = "John Doe";
        _logger.LogInformation("User {UserId} logged in: {UserName}", userId, userName);

        // Exception logging
        try
        {
            throw new InvalidOperationException("Something went wrong");
        }
        catch (Exception ex)
        {
            _logger.LogError(ex, "An error occurred while processing user {UserId}", userId);
        }

        // Log with event ID
        _logger.LogInformation(new EventId(1001, "UserLogin"),
            "User {UserId} logged in", userId);

        // Conditional logging
        if (_logger.IsEnabled(LogLevel.Debug))
        {
            var expensiveData = GetExpensiveDebugData();
            _logger.LogDebug("Debug data: {Data}", expensiveData);
        }

        // Log scopes
        using (_logger.BeginScope("Processing user {UserId}", userId))
        {
            _logger.LogInformation("Starting process");
            _logger.LogInformation("Process step 1");
            _logger.LogInformation("Process step 2");
            _logger.LogInformation("Completed process");
        }
    }

    private string GetExpensiveDebugData() => "expensive data";
}

Configure Logging

using Microsoft.Extensions.Logging;
using Microsoft.Extensions.Hosting;

var builder = Host.CreateApplicationBuilder(args);

builder.Logging.ClearProviders(); // Remove default providers

// Add providers
builder.Logging.AddConsole();
builder.Logging.AddDebug();
builder.Logging.AddEventSourceLogger();

// Set minimum level
builder.Logging.SetMinimumLevel(LogLevel.Information);

// Add filtering
builder.Logging.AddFilter("Microsoft", LogLevel.Warning);
builder.Logging.AddFilter("System", LogLevel.Warning);
builder.Logging.AddFilter("MyApp", LogLevel.Debug);

// Configure from appsettings.json
builder.Logging.AddConfiguration(builder.Configuration.GetSection("Logging"));

var host = builder.Build();

Logging Configuration in appsettings.json

{
  "Logging": {
    "LogLevel": {
      "Default": "Information",
      "Microsoft": "Warning",
      "Microsoft.Hosting.Lifetime": "Information",
      "Microsoft.EntityFrameworkCore": "Warning",
      "MyApp": "Debug"
    },
    "Console": {
      "IncludeScopes": true,
      "LogLevel": {
        "Default": "Information"
      }
    },
    "Debug": {
      "LogLevel": {
        "Default": "Debug"
      }
    }
  }
}

Third-Party Logging (Serilog Example)

// Install packages:
// dotnet add package Serilog.AspNetCore
// dotnet add package Serilog.Sinks.Console
// dotnet add package Serilog.Sinks.File
// dotnet add package Serilog.Sinks.Seq

using Serilog;

var builder = WebApplication.CreateBuilder(args);

// Configure Serilog
builder.Host.UseSerilog((context, configuration) =>
{
    configuration
        .ReadFrom.Configuration(context.Configuration)
        .Enrich.FromLogContext()
        .Enrich.WithMachineName()
        .Enrich.WithThreadId()
        .WriteTo.Console()
        .WriteTo.File(
            path: "logs/log-.txt",
            rollingInterval: RollingInterval.Day,
            retainedFileCountLimit: 30)
        .WriteTo.Seq("http://localhost:5341");
});

var app = builder.Build();

// Add Serilog request logging
app.UseSerilogRequestLogging();

app.Run();

Middleware Patterns

Built-in Middleware

using Microsoft.AspNetCore.Builder;

var builder = WebApplication.CreateBuilder(args);
var app = builder.Build();

// Order matters! Middleware executes in order added

// Exception handling (should be first)
if (app.Environment.IsDevelopment())
{
    app.UseDeveloperExceptionPage();
}
else
{
    app.UseExceptionHandler("/Error");
    app.UseHsts();
}

// HTTPS redirection
app.UseHttpsRedirection();

// Static files
app.UseStaticFiles();
app.UseStaticFiles(new StaticFileOptions
{
    FileProvider = new PhysicalFileProvider(
        Path.Combine(builder.Environment.ContentRootPath, "StaticFiles")),
    RequestPath = "/files"
});

// Routing
app.UseRouting();

// CORS (must be after routing, before authorization)
app.UseCors();

// Authentication
app.UseAuthentication();

// Authorization (must be after authentication)
app.UseAuthorization();

// Response caching
app.UseResponseCaching();

// Response compression
app.UseResponseCompression();

// Session
app.UseSession();

// Endpoints (should be last)
app.MapControllers();
app.MapRazorPages();

app.Run();

Custom Middleware (Inline)

var app = builder.Build();

// Use method
app.Use(async (context, next) =>
{
    // Before next middleware
    Console.WriteLine($"Before: {context.Request.Path}");

    await next(context);

    // After next middleware
    Console.WriteLine($"After: {context.Response.StatusCode}");
});

// Run method (terminal middleware)
app.Run(async context =>
{
    await context.Response.WriteAsync("Hello World!");
});

// Map method (branch pipeline)
app.Map("/api", apiApp =>
{
    apiApp.Use(async (context, next) =>
    {
        Console.WriteLine("API middleware");
        await next(context);
    });

    apiApp.Run(async context =>
    {
        await context.Response.WriteAsync("API Response");
    });
});

// MapWhen method (conditional branch)
app.MapWhen(
    context => context.Request.Query.ContainsKey("branch"),
    branchApp =>
    {
        branchApp.Run(async context =>
        {
            await context.Response.WriteAsync("Branch pipeline");
        });
    });

app.Run();

Custom Middleware Class

// RequestLoggingMiddleware.cs
public class RequestLoggingMiddleware
{
    private readonly RequestDelegate _next;
    private readonly ILogger<RequestLoggingMiddleware> _logger;

    public RequestLoggingMiddleware(
        RequestDelegate next,
        ILogger<RequestLoggingMiddleware> logger)
    {
        _next = next;
        _logger = logger;
    }

    public async Task InvokeAsync(HttpContext context)
    {
        var startTime = DateTime.UtcNow;

        _logger.LogInformation(
            "Incoming request: {Method} {Path}",
            context.Request.Method,
            context.Request.Path);

        try
        {
            await _next(context);
        }
        finally
        {
            var elapsed = DateTime.UtcNow - startTime;

            _logger.LogInformation(
                "Completed request: {Method} {Path} - Status: {StatusCode} - Duration: {Duration}ms",
                context.Request.Method,
                context.Request.Path,
                context.Response.StatusCode,
                elapsed.TotalMilliseconds);
        }
    }
}

// Extension method for registration
public static class RequestLoggingMiddlewareExtensions
{
    public static IApplicationBuilder UseRequestLogging(
        this IApplicationBuilder builder)
    {
        return builder.UseMiddleware<RequestLoggingMiddleware>();
    }
}

// Usage in Program.cs
var app = builder.Build();
app.UseRequestLogging();
app.Run();

Exception Handling Middleware

public class GlobalExceptionHandlerMiddleware
{
    private readonly RequestDelegate _next;
    private readonly ILogger<GlobalExceptionHandlerMiddleware> _logger;

    public GlobalExceptionHandlerMiddleware(
        RequestDelegate next,
        ILogger<GlobalExceptionHandlerMiddleware> logger)
    {
        _next = next;
        _logger = logger;
    }

    public async Task InvokeAsync(HttpContext context)
    {
        try
        {
            await _next(context);
        }
        catch (Exception ex)
        {
            _logger.LogError(ex, "An unhandled exception occurred");
            await HandleExceptionAsync(context, ex);
        }
    }

    private static async Task HandleExceptionAsync(HttpContext context, Exception exception)
    {
        context.Response.ContentType = "application/json";
        context.Response.StatusCode = exception switch
        {
            ArgumentException => StatusCodes.Status400BadRequest,
            UnauthorizedAccessException => StatusCodes.Status401Unauthorized,
            KeyNotFoundException => StatusCodes.Status404NotFound,
            _ => StatusCodes.Status500InternalServerError
        };

        var response = new
        {
            statusCode = context.Response.StatusCode,
            message = exception.Message,
            detailed = exception.ToString() // Only in development!
        };

        await context.Response.WriteAsJsonAsync(response);
    }
}

NuGet Packages

Common Packages

# Core Microsoft packages
dotnet add package Microsoft.Extensions.DependencyInjection
dotnet add package Microsoft.Extensions.Configuration
dotnet add package Microsoft.Extensions.Configuration.Json
dotnet add package Microsoft.Extensions.Logging
dotnet add package Microsoft.Extensions.Hosting
dotnet add package Microsoft.Extensions.Options

# ASP.NET Core
dotnet add package Microsoft.AspNetCore.Authentication.JwtBearer
dotnet add package Microsoft.AspNetCore.Mvc.NewtonsoftJson
dotnet add package Swashbuckle.AspNetCore

# Entity Framework Core
dotnet add package Microsoft.EntityFrameworkCore
dotnet add package Microsoft.EntityFrameworkCore.SqlServer
dotnet add package Microsoft.EntityFrameworkCore.Sqlite
dotnet add package Microsoft.EntityFrameworkCore.Design
dotnet add package Microsoft.EntityFrameworkCore.Tools

# Testing
dotnet add package xunit
dotnet add package xunit.runner.visualstudio
dotnet add package Microsoft.NET.Test.Sdk
dotnet add package Moq
dotnet add package FluentAssertions
dotnet add package coverlet.collector

# Serialization
dotnet add package System.Text.Json
dotnet add package Newtonsoft.Json

# HTTP
dotnet add package Microsoft.Extensions.Http
dotnet add package Microsoft.Extensions.Http.Polly
dotnet add package Polly

# Validation
dotnet add package FluentValidation
dotnet add package FluentValidation.AspNetCore

# Mapping
dotnet add package AutoMapper
dotnet add package AutoMapper.Extensions.Microsoft.DependencyInjection

# Logging
dotnet add package Serilog
dotnet add package Serilog.AspNetCore
dotnet add package Serilog.Sinks.Console
dotnet add package Serilog.Sinks.File

# Authentication
dotnet add package Microsoft.AspNetCore.Identity.EntityFrameworkCore
dotnet add package Microsoft.AspNetCore.Authentication.OpenIdConnect

Package Management

# List installed packages
dotnet list package

# List outdated packages
dotnet list package --outdated

# List deprecated packages
dotnet list package --deprecated

# List vulnerable packages
dotnet list package --vulnerable

# Update package
dotnet add package PackageName --version 2.0.0

# Remove package
dotnet remove package PackageName

# Restore packages
dotnet restore

# Clear NuGet cache
dotnet nuget locals all --clear

Creating NuGet Packages

<!-- MyLibrary.csproj -->
<Project Sdk="Microsoft.NET.Sdk">

  <PropertyGroup>
    <TargetFramework>net8.0</TargetFramework>

    <!-- Package metadata -->
    <PackageId>MyCompany.MyLibrary</PackageId>
    <Version>1.0.0</Version>
    <Authors>Your Name</Authors>
    <Company>MyCompany</Company>
    <Description>Library description here</Description>
    <PackageTags>library;utility;helpers</PackageTags>
    <PackageLicenseExpression>MIT</PackageLicenseExpression>
    <PackageProjectUrl>https://github.com/mycompany/mylibrary</PackageProjectUrl>
    <RepositoryUrl>https://github.com/mycompany/mylibrary</RepositoryUrl>
    <RepositoryType>git</RepositoryType>
    <PackageReadmeFile>README.md</PackageReadmeFile>
    <PackageIcon>icon.png</PackageIcon>

    <!-- Include symbols -->
    <IncludeSymbols>true</IncludeSymbols>
    <SymbolPackageFormat>snupkg</SymbolPackageFormat>
  </PropertyGroup>

  <ItemGroup>
    <None Include="README.md" Pack="true" PackagePath="\" />
    <None Include="icon.png" Pack="true" PackagePath="\" />
  </ItemGroup>

</Project>

# Create package
dotnet pack -c Release

# Create package with version
dotnet pack -c Release -p:PackageVersion=1.0.1

# Publish to NuGet.org
dotnet nuget push bin/Release/MyLibrary.1.0.0.nupkg --api-key YOUR_API_KEY --source https://api.nuget.org/v3/index.json

# Publish to private feed
dotnet nuget push bin/Release/MyLibrary.1.0.0.nupkg --source http://myfeed.example.com/nuget

Cross-Platform Development

Runtime Identifiers (RIDs)

# Common RIDs
# Windows
win-x64           # Windows 64-bit
win-x86           # Windows 32-bit
win-arm64         # Windows ARM64

# Linux
linux-x64         # Linux 64-bit
linux-arm         # Linux ARM
linux-arm64       # Linux ARM64
linux-musl-x64    # Alpine Linux

# macOS
osx-x64           # macOS Intel
osx-arm64         # macOS Apple Silicon

# Publish for specific runtime
dotnet publish -r win-x64 --self-contained
dotnet publish -r linux-x64 --self-contained
dotnet publish -r osx-arm64 --self-contained

Platform-Specific Code

using System.Runtime.InteropServices;

public class PlatformService
{
    public string GetPlatformInfo()
    {
        if (RuntimeInformation.IsOSPlatform(OSPlatform.Windows))
        {
            return "Running on Windows";
        }
        else if (RuntimeInformation.IsOSPlatform(OSPlatform.Linux))
        {
            return "Running on Linux";
        }
        else if (RuntimeInformation.IsOSPlatform(OSPlatform.OSX))
        {
            return "Running on macOS";
        }
        else if (RuntimeInformation.IsOSPlatform(OSPlatform.FreeBSD))
        {
            return "Running on FreeBSD";
        }

        return "Unknown platform";
    }

    public string GetArchitecture()
    {
        return RuntimeInformation.OSArchitecture switch
        {
            Architecture.X64 => "x64",
            Architecture.X86 => "x86",
            Architecture.Arm => "ARM",
            Architecture.Arm64 => "ARM64",
            _ => "Unknown"
        };
    }
}

// Conditional compilation
public class PlatformSpecificFeature
{
    public void DoSomething()
    {
#if WINDOWS
        WindowsSpecificCode();
#elif LINUX
        LinuxSpecificCode();
#elif OSX
        MacOSSpecificCode();
#endif
    }

    private void WindowsSpecificCode() { }
    private void LinuxSpecificCode() { }
    private void MacOSSpecificCode() { }
}

Path Handling

using System.IO;

public class PathHelper
{
    public void HandlePaths()
    {
        // Use Path.Combine for cross-platform paths
        var configPath = Path.Combine("config", "appsettings.json");

        // Get directory separator (\ on Windows, / on Unix)
        var separator = Path.DirectorySeparatorChar;

        // Get path separator (; on Windows, : on Unix)
        var pathSeparator = Path.PathSeparator;

        // Get temp path
        var tempPath = Path.GetTempPath();

        // Get user profile directory
        var userProfile = Environment.GetFolderPath(Environment.SpecialFolder.UserProfile);

        // Get application data directory
        var appData = Environment.GetFolderPath(Environment.SpecialFolder.ApplicationData);
    }
}

Metaprogramming

Reflection

Reflection allows runtime inspection and manipulation of types, methods, and properties.

using System;
using System.Reflection;

public class User
{
    public string Name { get; set; }
    public int Age { get; set; }

    public void Greet() => Console.WriteLine($"Hello, I'm {Name}");
}

public class ReflectionExamples
{
    public void InspectType()
    {
        // Get type information
        Type type = typeof(User);
        Type type2 = user.GetType();
        Type type3 = Type.GetType("Namespace.User");

        // Get type properties
        Console.WriteLine($"Name: {type.Name}");
        Console.WriteLine($"FullName: {type.FullName}");
        Console.WriteLine($"Namespace: {type.Namespace}");
        Console.WriteLine($"IsClass: {type.IsClass}");
        Console.WriteLine($"IsPublic: {type.IsPublic}");

        // Get properties
        foreach (PropertyInfo prop in type.GetProperties())
        {
            Console.WriteLine($"{prop.Name}: {prop.PropertyType}");
        }

        // Get methods
        foreach (MethodInfo method in type.GetMethods())
        {
            Console.WriteLine($"{method.Name}");
        }
    }

    public void CreateInstance()
    {
        Type type = typeof(User);

        // Create instance with parameterless constructor
        object instance = Activator.CreateInstance(type);

        // Create instance with constructor parameters
        object instance2 = Activator.CreateInstance(
            type,
            new object[] { "Alice", 30 }
        );

        // Generic version
        User user = Activator.CreateInstance<User>();
    }

    public void AccessMembers()
    {
        var user = new User { Name = "Alice", Age = 30 };
        Type type = typeof(User);

        // Get property value
        PropertyInfo nameProp = type.GetProperty("Name");
        string name = (string)nameProp.GetValue(user);

        // Set property value
        nameProp.SetValue(user, "Bob");

        // Invoke method
        MethodInfo greetMethod = type.GetMethod("Greet");
        greetMethod.Invoke(user, null);

        // Access private members
        FieldInfo privateField = type.GetField(
            "_privateField",
            BindingFlags.NonPublic | BindingFlags.Instance
        );
        privateField?.SetValue(user, "secret");
    }
}

Attributes

Attributes provide metadata about code elements that can be queried at runtime or compile time.

using System;

// Built-in attributes
[Obsolete("Use NewMethod instead")]
public void OldMethod() { }

[Serializable]
public class DataModel { }

[AttributeUsage(AttributeTargets.Method)]
public class LoggableAttribute : Attribute
{
    public string Message { get; set; }
    public LogLevel Level { get; set; }

    public LoggableAttribute(string message = "", LogLevel level = LogLevel.Info)
    {
        Message = message;
        Level = level;
    }
}

// Custom attribute with multiple targets
[AttributeUsage(
    AttributeTargets.Class | AttributeTargets.Method,
    AllowMultiple = true,
    Inherited = true
)]
public class AuthorAttribute : Attribute
{
    public string Name { get; }
    public string Date { get; set; }

    public AuthorAttribute(string name)
    {
        Name = name;
    }
}

// Usage
public class MyService
{
    [Loggable("Processing data", LogLevel.Debug)]
    [Author("Alice", Date = "2024-01-01")]
    public void ProcessData()
    {
        // Method implementation
    }
}

// Reading attributes
public class AttributeReader
{
    public void ReadMethodAttributes()
    {
        var method = typeof(MyService).GetMethod("ProcessData");

        // Get single attribute
        var loggable = method.GetCustomAttribute<LoggableAttribute>();
        if (loggable != null)
        {
            Console.WriteLine($"Log: {loggable.Message} at {loggable.Level}");
        }

        // Get all attributes of a type
        var authors = method.GetCustomAttributes<AuthorAttribute>();
        foreach (var author in authors)
        {
            Console.WriteLine($"Author: {author.Name} on {author.Date}");
        }

        // Check if attribute is present
        bool isLoggable = method.IsDefined(typeof(LoggableAttribute));
    }
}

Source Generators (C# 9+)

Source generators create code at compile time, providing compile-time metaprogramming.

using Microsoft.CodeAnalysis;
using Microsoft.CodeAnalysis.CSharp.Syntax;
using Microsoft.CodeAnalysis.Text;
using System.Text;

// Source generator
[Generator]
public class AutoNotifyGenerator : ISourceGenerator
{
    public void Initialize(GeneratorInitializationContext context)
    {
        // Register syntax receiver
        context.RegisterForSyntaxNotifications(() => new SyntaxReceiver());
    }

    public void Execute(GeneratorExecutionContext context)
    {
        if (context.SyntaxReceiver is not SyntaxReceiver receiver)
            return;

        foreach (var field in receiver.CandidateFields)
        {
            var model = context.Compilation.GetSemanticModel(field.SyntaxTree);
            var fieldSymbol = model.GetDeclaredSymbol(field) as IFieldSymbol;

            if (fieldSymbol == null)
                continue;

            var classSymbol = fieldSymbol.ContainingType;
            var namespaceName = classSymbol.ContainingNamespace.ToDisplayString();

            var source = GeneratePropertySource(
                namespaceName,
                classSymbol.Name,
                fieldSymbol.Name
            );

            context.AddSource(
                $"{classSymbol.Name}_{fieldSymbol.Name}_AutoNotify.g.cs",
                SourceText.From(source, Encoding.UTF8)
            );
        }
    }

    private string GeneratePropertySource(
        string namespaceName,
        string className,
        string fieldName)
    {
        var propertyName = char.ToUpper(fieldName[1]) + fieldName.Substring(2);

        return $@"
using System.ComponentModel;

namespace {namespaceName}
{{
    public partial class {className} : INotifyPropertyChanged
    {{
        public event PropertyChangedEventHandler? PropertyChanged;

        public {fieldName.TrimStart('_')} {propertyName}
        {{
            get => {fieldName};
            set
            {{
                if ({fieldName} != value)
                {{
                    {fieldName} = value;
                    PropertyChanged?.Invoke(
                        this,
                        new PropertyChangedEventArgs(nameof({propertyName}))
                    );
                }}
            }}
        }}
    }}
}}";
    }

    class SyntaxReceiver : ISyntaxReceiver
    {
        public List<FieldDeclarationSyntax> CandidateFields { get; } = new();

        public void OnVisitSyntaxNode(SyntaxNode syntaxNode)
        {
            if (syntaxNode is FieldDeclarationSyntax fieldDeclaration &&
                fieldDeclaration.AttributeLists.Count > 0)
            {
                CandidateFields.Add(fieldDeclaration);
            }
        }
    }
}

// Usage in consuming code
public partial class Person
{
    [AutoNotify]
    private string _name = "";

    // Property is generated by source generator
}

Expression Trees

Expression trees represent code as data structures for runtime code generation and analysis.

using System;
using System.Linq.Expressions;

public class ExpressionTreeExamples
{
    public void BasicExpressions()
    {
        // Lambda expression
        Expression<Func<int, int, int>> add = (a, b) => a + b;

        // Compile and execute
        var compiled = add.Compile();
        int result = compiled(2, 3); // 5

        // Inspect expression tree
        Console.WriteLine(add.Body);        // (a + b)
        Console.WriteLine(add.Parameters);  // [a, b]
    }

    public void BuildExpressionTree()
    {
        // Build expression: (a, b) => a + b
        var paramA = Expression.Parameter(typeof(int), "a");
        var paramB = Expression.Parameter(typeof(int), "b");
        var body = Expression.Add(paramA, paramB);

        var lambda = Expression.Lambda<Func<int, int, int>>(
            body,
            paramA,
            paramB
        );

        var compiled = lambda.Compile();
        int result = compiled(2, 3); // 5
    }

    public void ComplexExpressions()
    {
        // Build: user => user.Name == "Alice" && user.Age > 18
        var param = Expression.Parameter(typeof(User), "user");

        var nameProperty = Expression.Property(param, "Name");
        var nameEquals = Expression.Equal(
            nameProperty,
            Expression.Constant("Alice")
        );

        var ageProperty = Expression.Property(param, "Age");
        var ageGreater = Expression.GreaterThan(
            ageProperty,
            Expression.Constant(18)
        );

        var condition = Expression.AndAlso(nameEquals, ageGreater);

        var lambda = Expression.Lambda<Func<User, bool>>(
            condition,
            param
        );

        // Use with LINQ
        var users = new List<User>();
        var filtered = users.AsQueryable().Where(lambda);
    }

    public void DynamicPropertyAccess()
    {
        // Build property accessor dynamically
        var param = Expression.Parameter(typeof(User), "user");
        var property = Expression.Property(param, "Name");
        var lambda = Expression.Lambda<Func<User, string>>(property, param);

        var accessor = lambda.Compile();
        var user = new User { Name = "Alice" };
        string name = accessor(user); // "Alice"
    }
}

IL Emit (Reflection.Emit)

Generate IL code dynamically at runtime for maximum performance and flexibility.

using System;
using System.Reflection;
using System.Reflection.Emit;

public class ILEmitExamples
{
    public void CreateDynamicMethod()
    {
        // Create dynamic method: int Add(int a, int b) => a + b
        var method = new DynamicMethod(
            "Add",
            typeof(int),
            new[] { typeof(int), typeof(int) }
        );

        ILGenerator il = method.GetILGenerator();

        // IL: ldarg.0 (load first argument)
        il.Emit(OpCodes.Ldarg_0);
        // IL: ldarg.1 (load second argument)
        il.Emit(OpCodes.Ldarg_1);
        // IL: add (add top two stack values)
        il.Emit(OpCodes.Add);
        // IL: ret (return)
        il.Emit(OpCodes.Ret);

        // Create delegate
        var add = (Func<int, int, int>)method.CreateDelegate(
            typeof(Func<int, int, int>)
        );

        int result = add(2, 3); // 5
    }

    public void CreateDynamicType()
    {
        // Create assembly
        var assemblyName = new AssemblyName("DynamicAssembly");
        var assemblyBuilder = AssemblyBuilder.DefineDynamicAssembly(
            assemblyName,
            AssemblyBuilderAccess.Run
        );

        // Create module
        var moduleBuilder = assemblyBuilder.DefineDynamicModule("MainModule");

        // Create type
        var typeBuilder = moduleBuilder.DefineType(
            "DynamicType",
            TypeAttributes.Public
        );

        // Add field
        var fieldBuilder = typeBuilder.DefineField(
            "_value",
            typeof(int),
            FieldAttributes.Private
        );

        // Add property
        var propertyBuilder = typeBuilder.DefineProperty(
            "Value",
            PropertyAttributes.HasDefault,
            typeof(int),
            null
        );

        // Add getter
        var getterBuilder = typeBuilder.DefineMethod(
            "get_Value",
            MethodAttributes.Public | MethodAttributes.SpecialName,
            typeof(int),
            Type.EmptyTypes
        );

        var getterIL = getterBuilder.GetILGenerator();
        getterIL.Emit(OpCodes.Ldarg_0);
        getterIL.Emit(OpCodes.Ldfld, fieldBuilder);
        getterIL.Emit(OpCodes.Ret);

        propertyBuilder.SetGetMethod(getterBuilder);

        // Create type
        Type dynamicType = typeBuilder.CreateType();
        object instance = Activator.CreateInstance(dynamicType);
    }
}

Dynamic Language Runtime (DLR)

The DLR provides dynamic typing and late binding for .NET.

using System;
using System.Dynamic;

public class DynamicExamples
{
    public void UseDynamic()
    {
        // Dynamic variables
        dynamic obj = "Hello";
        obj = 42;                    // OK - type can change
        obj = new { Name = "Alice" }; // OK - anonymous type

        Console.WriteLine(obj.Name); // Late binding

        // Dynamic method calls
        dynamic calculator = new Calculator();
        var result = calculator.Add(2, 3); // Resolved at runtime
    }

    public void ExpandoObject()
    {
        // Dynamic object with runtime properties
        dynamic person = new ExpandoObject();
        person.Name = "Alice";
        person.Age = 30;
        person.Greet = (Action)(() => Console.WriteLine($"Hello, I'm {person.Name}"));

        person.Greet(); // Call dynamic method

        // Can enumerate properties
        var dict = (IDictionary<string, object>)person;
        foreach (var kvp in dict)
        {
            Console.WriteLine($"{kvp.Key}: {kvp.Value}");
        }
    }
}

// Custom dynamic object
public class DynamicDictionary : DynamicObject
{
    private readonly Dictionary<string, object> _data = new();

    public override bool TryGetMember(GetMemberBinder binder, out object result)
    {
        return _data.TryGetValue(binder.Name, out result);
    }

    public override bool TrySetMember(SetMemberBinder binder, object value)
    {
        _data[binder.Name] = value;
        return true;
    }

    public override bool TryInvokeMember(
        InvokeMemberBinder binder,
        object[] args,
        out object result)
    {
        if (_data.TryGetValue(binder.Name, out var value) && value is Delegate del)
        {
            result = del.DynamicInvoke(args);
            return true;
        }

        result = null;
        return false;
    }
}

Proxy and Interception Patterns

Use DispatchProxy for dynamic proxy generation.

using System;
using System.Reflection;

public interface IUserService
{
    User GetUser(int id);
    void SaveUser(User user);
}

public class LoggingProxy<T> : DispatchProxy
{
    private T _target;
    private ILogger _logger;

    public static T Create(T target, ILogger logger)
    {
        var proxy = Create<T, LoggingProxy<T>>() as LoggingProxy<T>;
        proxy._target = target;
        proxy._logger = logger;
        return (T)(object)proxy;
    }

    protected override object Invoke(MethodInfo targetMethod, object[] args)
    {
        _logger.LogInformation(
            "Calling {Method} with {Args}",
            targetMethod.Name,
            args
        );

        try
        {
            var result = targetMethod.Invoke(_target, args);

            _logger.LogInformation(
                "Completed {Method} with result {Result}",
                targetMethod.Name,
                result
            );

            return result;
        }
        catch (Exception ex)
        {
            _logger.LogError(
                ex,
                "Error in {Method}",
                targetMethod.Name
            );
            throw;
        }
    }
}

// Usage
var userService = new UserService();
var logger = new ConsoleLogger();
var proxy = LoggingProxy<IUserService>.Create(userService, logger);

proxy.GetUser(1); // Logged automatically

See also: patterns-metaprogramming-dev for cross-language metaprogramming patterns

Best Practices

Nullable Reference Types

#nullable enable

public class UserService
{
    // Non-nullable reference type
    private readonly ILogger<UserService> _logger;

    // Nullable reference type
    private string? _cachedData;

    public UserService(ILogger<UserService> logger)
    {
        _logger = logger;
    }

    // Return nullable
    public string? FindUser(int id)
    {
        return id > 0 ? $"User{id}" : null;
    }

    // Parameter nullable
    public void UpdateCache(string? data)
    {
        _cachedData = data;
    }

    // Null-forgiving operator
    public void ProcessData()
    {
        var data = GetData();
        Console.WriteLine(data!.Length); // I know it's not null!
    }

    private string? GetData() => _cachedData;
}

Async/Await Patterns

public class AsyncPatterns
{
    // Async method naming (suffix with Async)
    public async Task<string> GetDataAsync()
    {
        await Task.Delay(100);
        return "data";
    }

    // Avoid async void (except event handlers)
    public async void HandleClick(object sender, EventArgs e)
    {
        await ProcessAsync();
    }

    // ConfigureAwait(false) in libraries
    public async Task<string> LibraryMethodAsync()
    {
        var data = await GetDataAsync().ConfigureAwait(false);
        return data;
    }

    // Parallel async operations
    public async Task<string[]> GetMultipleAsync()
    {
        var task1 = GetDataAsync();
        var task2 = GetDataAsync();
        var task3 = GetDataAsync();

        return await Task.WhenAll(task1, task2, task3);
    }

    // Cancellation support
    public async Task<string> ProcessWithCancellationAsync(
        CancellationToken cancellationToken)
    {
        await Task.Delay(1000, cancellationToken);
        cancellationToken.ThrowIfCancellationRequested();
        return "completed";
    }

    // ValueTask for performance
    public async ValueTask<int> GetCachedValueAsync(int key)
    {
        // Return cached value synchronously if available
        if (_cache.TryGetValue(key, out var value))
        {
            return value;
        }

        // Otherwise fetch asynchronously
        return await FetchValueAsync(key);
    }

    private readonly Dictionary<int, int> _cache = new();
    private async Task<int> FetchValueAsync(int key) => await Task.FromResult(key);
    private async Task ProcessAsync() => await Task.CompletedTask;
}

Disposal Patterns

// IDisposable implementation
public class ResourceHandler : IDisposable
{
    private bool _disposed;
    private readonly Stream _stream;

    public ResourceHandler(Stream stream)
    {
        _stream = stream;
    }

    public void DoWork()
    {
        ObjectDisposedException.ThrowIf(_disposed, this);
        // Do work
    }

    public void Dispose()
    {
        Dispose(disposing: true);
        GC.SuppressFinalize(this);
    }

    protected virtual void Dispose(bool disposing)
    {
        if (_disposed)
            return;

        if (disposing)
        {
            // Dispose managed resources
            _stream?.Dispose();
        }

        // Free unmanaged resources

        _disposed = true;
    }
}

// IAsyncDisposable implementation
public class AsyncResourceHandler : IAsyncDisposable
{
    private readonly HttpClient _httpClient;

    public AsyncResourceHandler(HttpClient httpClient)
    {
        _httpClient = httpClient;
    }

    public async ValueTask DisposeAsync()
    {
        // Perform async cleanup
        _httpClient?.Dispose();
        await Task.CompletedTask;
    }
}

// Using statement
public class ResourceUser
{
    public void UseResource()
    {
        using var handler = new ResourceHandler(Stream.Null);
        handler.DoWork();
    } // Dispose called automatically

    public async Task UseResourceAsync()
    {
        await using var handler = new AsyncResourceHandler(new HttpClient());
        // Use handler
    } // DisposeAsync called automatically
}

Record Types

// Immutable record
public record Person(string FirstName, string LastName, int Age);

// Record with additional members
public record User(int Id, string Email)
{
    public DateTime CreatedAt { get; init; } = DateTime.UtcNow;

    public string FullInfo => $"{Id}: {Email} (Created: {CreatedAt})";
}

// Record inheritance
public record Employee(int Id, string Email, string Department)
    : User(Id, Email);

// With expressions (non-destructive mutation)
public class RecordExample
{
    public void Example()
    {
        var person = new Person("John", "Doe", 30);
        var olderPerson = person with { Age = 31 };

        // Value equality
        var person2 = new Person("John", "Doe", 30);
        Console.WriteLine(person == person2); // True
    }
}

Pattern Matching

public class PatternMatchingExamples
{
    public string Describe(object obj)
    {
        return obj switch
        {
            null => "null",
            int i => $"int: {i}",
            string s => $"string: {s}",
            Person { Age: >= 18 } => "Adult person",
            Person { Age: < 18 } p => $"Minor: {p.FirstName}",
            IEnumerable<int> numbers => $"Number sequence: {numbers.Count()}",
            _ => "Unknown type"
        };
    }

    public decimal CalculateDiscount(Customer customer)
    {
        return customer switch
        {
            { IsPremium: true, YearsOfMembership: > 5 } => 0.20m,
            { IsPremium: true } => 0.15m,
            { YearsOfMembership: > 3 } => 0.10m,
            _ => 0.05m
        };
    }
}

public record Customer(bool IsPremium, int YearsOfMembership);

Cross-Cutting Patterns

For cross-language comparison and translation patterns, see:

  • patterns-metaprogramming-dev - Reflection, attributes, source generators, IL emit, dynamic types
  • patterns-concurrency-dev - Async/await, tasks, parallel programming, thread safety
  • patterns-serialization-dev - JSON serialization, validation, configuration binding

This skill provides foundational .NET patterns for modern cross-platform development. These patterns cover the .NET runtime, project structure, CLI tools, dependency injection, configuration management, logging, middleware, metaprogramming, NuGet packages, and best practices for building robust .NET applications.