
dotnet-local-tools
Managing local .NET tools with dotnet-tools.json for consistent tooling across development environments and CI/CD pipelines.
- Installs
- 533
- Last 24h
- —
- Trending rank
- —
- Security
- Not audited
Install
Works with every agent the skills CLI supports.
npx skills add https://github.com/aaronontheweb/dotnet-skills --skill dotnet-local-tools- 01
Install
Run the command in your project. The CLI asks which agents to install for.
- 02
Describe the task
Ask your agent for something this skill covers. It loads dotnet-local-tools automatically when relevant.
- 03
Review the result
The agent follows the SKILL.md steps, scripts and references bundled with the skill.
SKILL.md
The instructions your agent reads when the skill is triggered.
.NET Local Tools
When to Use This Skill
Use this skill when:
- Setting up consistent tooling across a development team
- Ensuring CI/CD pipelines use the same tool versions as local development
- Managing project-specific CLI tools (docfx, incrementalist, dotnet-ef, etc.)
- Avoiding global tool version conflicts between projects
What Are Local Tools?
Local tools are .NET CLI tools that are installed and versioned per-repository rather than globally. They're defined in .config/dotnet-tools.json and restored with dotnet tool restore.
Local vs Global Tools
| Aspect | Global Tools | Local Tools |
|---|---|---|
| Installation | dotnet tool install -g | dotnet tool restore |
| Scope | Machine-wide | Per-repository |
| Version control | Manual | In .config/dotnet-tools.json |
| CI/CD | Must install each tool | Single restore command |
| Conflicts | Can have version conflicts | Isolated per project |
Setting Up Local Tools
Initialize the Manifest
# Create .config/dotnet-tools.json
dotnet new tool-manifest
This creates:
.config/
└── dotnet-tools.json
Install Tools Locally
# Install a tool locally
dotnet tool install docfx
# Install specific version
dotnet tool install docfx --version 2.78.3
# Install from a specific source
dotnet tool install MyTool --add-source https://mycompany.pkgs.visualstudio.com/_packaging/feed/nuget/v3/index.json
Restore Tools
# Restore all tools from manifest
dotnet tool restore
dotnet-tools.json Format
{
"version": 1,
"isRoot": true,
"tools": {
"docfx": {
"version": "2.78.3",
"commands": [
"docfx"
],
"rollForward": false
},
"dotnet-ef": {
"version": "9.0.0",
"commands": [
"dotnet-ef"
],
"rollForward": false
},
"incrementalist.cmd": {
"version": "1.2.0",
"commands": [
"incrementalist"
],
"rollForward": false
},
"dotnet-reportgenerator-globaltool": {
"version": "5.4.1",
"commands": [
"reportgenerator"
],
"rollForward": false
}
}
}
Fields
| Field | Description |
|---|---|
version | Manifest schema version (always 1) |
isRoot | Marks this as the root manifest (prevents searching parent directories) |
tools | Dictionary of tool configurations |
tools.<name>.version | Exact version to install |
tools.<name>.commands | CLI commands the tool provides |
tools.<name>.rollForward | Allow newer versions (usually false for reproducibility) |
Common Tools
Documentation
# DocFX - API documentation generator
dotnet tool install docfx
"docfx": {
"version": "2.78.3",
"commands": ["docfx"],
"rollForward": false
}
Usage:
dotnet docfx docfx.json
dotnet docfx serve _site
Entity Framework Core
# EF Core CLI for migrations
dotnet tool install dotnet-ef
"dotnet-ef": {
"version": "9.0.0",
"commands": ["dotnet-ef"],
"rollForward": false
}
Usage:
dotnet ef migrations add InitialCreate
dotnet ef database update
Code Coverage
# ReportGenerator for coverage reports
dotnet tool install dotnet-reportgenerator-globaltool
"dotnet-reportgenerator-globaltool": {
"version": "5.4.1",
"commands": ["reportgenerator"],
"rollForward": false
}
Usage:
dotnet reportgenerator -reports:coverage.cobertura.xml -targetdir:coveragereport -reporttypes:Html
Incremental Builds
# Incrementalist - build only changed projects
dotnet tool install incrementalist.cmd
"incrementalist.cmd": {
"version": "1.2.0",
"commands": ["incrementalist"],
"rollForward": false
}
Usage:
# Get projects affected by changes since main branch
incrementalist --branch main
Code Formatting
# CSharpier - opinionated C# formatter
dotnet tool install csharpier
"csharpier": {
"version": "0.30.3",
"commands": ["dotnet-csharpier"],
"rollForward": false
}
Usage:
dotnet csharpier .
dotnet csharpier --check . # CI mode - fails if changes needed
Code Analysis
# JB dotnet-inspect (requires license)
dotnet tool install jb
"jb": {
"version": "2024.3.4",
"commands": ["jb"],
"rollForward": false
}
CI/CD Integration
GitHub Actions
jobs:
build:
runs-on: ubuntu-latest
steps:
- uses: actions/checkout@v4
- name: Setup .NET
uses: actions/setup-dotnet@v4
with:
global-json-file: global.json
- name: Restore tools
run: dotnet tool restore
- name: Build
run: dotnet build
- name: Test with coverage
run: dotnet test --collect:"XPlat Code Coverage"
- name: Generate coverage report
run: dotnet reportgenerator -reports:**/coverage.cobertura.xml -targetdir:coveragereport
- name: Build documentation
run: dotnet docfx docs/docfx.json
Azure Pipelines
steps:
- task: UseDotNet@2
inputs:
useGlobalJson: true
- script: dotnet tool restore
displayName: 'Restore .NET tools'
- script: dotnet build -c Release
displayName: 'Build'
- script: dotnet test -c Release --collect:"XPlat Code Coverage"
displayName: 'Test'
- script: dotnet reportgenerator -reports:**/coverage.cobertura.xml -targetdir:$(Build.ArtifactStagingDirectory)/coverage
displayName: 'Generate coverage report'
Managing Tool Versions
Update a Tool
# Update to latest version
dotnet tool update docfx
# Update to specific version
dotnet tool update docfx --version 2.79.0
List Installed Tools
# List local tools
dotnet tool list
# List with outdated check
dotnet tool list --outdated
Remove a Tool
dotnet tool uninstall docfx
Best Practices
1. Always Set isRoot: true
Prevents MSBuild from searching parent directories for tool manifests:
{
"version": 1,
"isRoot": true,
...
}
2. Pin Exact Versions
Use "rollForward": false for reproducible builds:
"docfx": {
"version": "2.78.3",
"rollForward": false
}
3. Restore in CI Before Use
Always run dotnet tool restore before using any local tool:
- run: dotnet tool restore
- run: dotnet docfx docs/docfx.json
4. Document Tool Requirements
Add a comment or section in README:
## Development Setup
1. Restore tools: `dotnet tool restore`
2. Build: `dotnet build`
3. Test: `dotnet test`
5. Use Dependabot for Updates
# .github/dependabot.yml
version: 2
updates:
- package-ecosystem: "nuget"
directory: "/"
schedule:
interval: "weekly"
# Includes local tools in .config/dotnet-tools.json
Troubleshooting
Tool Not Found After Restore
Ensure you're running from the repository root:
# Wrong - running from subdirectory
cd src/MyApp
dotnet docfx # Error: tool not found
# Correct - run from solution root
cd ../..
dotnet docfx docs/docfx.json
Version Conflicts
If you see version conflicts, check for:
- Global tool with different version:
dotnet tool list -g - Multiple tool manifests: Look for
.config/dotnet-tools.jsonin parent directories
Clearing Tool Cache
# Clear NuGet tool cache
dotnet nuget locals all --clear
# Re-restore tools
dotnet tool restore
Example: Complete Development Setup
{
"version": 1,
"isRoot": true,
"tools": {
"docfx": {
"version": "2.78.3",
"commands": ["docfx"],
"rollForward": false
},
"dotnet-ef": {
"version": "9.0.0",
"commands": ["dotnet-ef"],
"rollForward": false
},
"dotnet-reportgenerator-globaltool": {
"version": "5.4.1",
"commands": ["reportgenerator"],
"rollForward": false
},
"csharpier": {
"version": "0.30.3",
"commands": ["dotnet-csharpier"],
"rollForward": false
},
"incrementalist.cmd": {
"version": "1.2.0",
"commands": ["incrementalist"],
"rollForward": false
}
}
}
Development workflow:
# Initial setup
dotnet tool restore
# Format code before commit
dotnet csharpier .
# Run tests with coverage
dotnet test --collect:"XPlat Code Coverage"
dotnet reportgenerator -reports:**/coverage.cobertura.xml -targetdir:coverage
# Build documentation
dotnet docfx docs/docfx.json
# Check which projects changed (for large repos)
incrementalist --branch main
FAQ
What does the dotnet-local-tools skill do?
Managing local .NET tools with dotnet-tools.json for consistent tooling across development environments and CI/CD pipelines.
How do I install dotnet-local-tools?
Run npx skills add https://github.com/aaronontheweb/dotnet-skills --skill dotnet-local-tools in your project. The skills CLI detects the agents you use and copies the skill into the right folder. For Claude Code you can also place the skill folder at ~/.claude/skills/dotnet-local-tools/ (personal) or .claude/skills/dotnet-local-tools/ (project).
Which AI agents can use dotnet-local-tools?
Any agent that supports the open Agent Skills format (a folder with a SKILL.md file), including Claude Code, Codex, Cursor, GitHub Copilot, Gemini CLI, Windsurf, Cline, OpenCode and more.
Is dotnet-local-tools safe to install?
No partner security audit is available yet. Skills can run commands and scripts, so read the SKILL.md and any bundled files before installing.
Who maintains dotnet-local-tools?
It is published by aaronontheweb in aaronontheweb/dotnet-skills. It has 533 recorded installs.
More from aaronontheweb/dotnet-skills
modern-csharp-coding-standards
aaronontheweb/dotnet-skills
Write modern, high-performance C code using records, pattern matching, value objects, async/await, Span /Memory , and best-practice API design patterns. Emphasizes functional-style programming with C 12+ features.
csharp-concurrency-patterns
aaronontheweb/dotnet-skills
Choosing the right concurrency abstraction in .NET - from async/await for I/O to Channels for producer/consumer to Akka.NET for stateful entity management. Avoid locks and manual synchronization unless absolutely necessary.
efcore-patterns
aaronontheweb/dotnet-skills
Entity Framework Core best practices including NoTracking by default, query splitting for navigation collections, migration management, dedicated migration services, and common pitfalls to avoid.
dependency-injection-patterns
aaronontheweb/dotnet-skills
Organize DI registrations using IServiceCollection extension methods. Group related services into composable Add methods for clean Program.cs and reusable configuration in tests.
database-performance
aaronontheweb/dotnet-skills
Database access patterns for performance. Separate read/write models, avoid N+1 queries, use AsNoTracking, apply row limits, and never do application-side joins. Works with EF Core and Dapper.
api-design
aaronontheweb/dotnet-skills
Design stable, compatible public APIs using extend-only design principles. Manage API compatibility, wire compatibility, and versioning for NuGet packages and distributed systems.
Popular backend & apis skills
find-skills
vercel-labs/skills
Helps users discover and install agent skills when they ask questions like "how do I do X", "find a skill for X", "is there a skill that can...", or express interest in extending capabilities. This skill should be used when the user is looking for functionality that might exist as an installable skill.
entra-app-registration
microsoft/azure-skills
Guides Microsoft Entra ID app registration, OAuth 2.0 authentication, and MSAL integration. USE FOR: create app registration, register Azure AD app, configure OAuth, set up authentication, add API permissions, generate service principal, MSAL example, console app auth, Entra ID setup, Azure AD authentication. DO NOT USE FOR: Key Vault secrets (use azure-keyvault-expiration-audit), general Azure resource security guidance.
google-agents-cli-adk-code
google/agents-cli
This skill should be used when the user wants to "write agent code", "build an agent with ADK", "add a tool", "create a callback", "define an agent", "use state management" — in a project that needs ADK (Agent Development Kit) API patterns and code examples. It provides a quick reference for agent types, tool definitions, orchestration patterns, callbacks, state management, the graph Workflow API, and reference recipes to study. Do NOT use for scaffolding (use google-agents-cli-scaffold) or deployment (use google-agents-cli-deploy).
embedded-captions
heygen-com/hyperframes
Add captions or subtitles to an existing single-subject talking-head video without editing the footage. Use for plain verbatim captions, cinematic captions embedded behind the subject, VFX captions, “炸/特效/酷炫字幕,” or a named identity from the 35-style catalog. Route by visual identity, not by backend engine. The quiet anchor rail is the default; embed every word only when the user explicitly wants a fully cinematic treatment. The workflow runs locally end to end, including transcription and subject matting; split multi-shot footage before applying it.
entra-agent-id
microsoft/azure-skills
Provision Microsoft Entra Agent Identity Blueprints, BlueprintPrincipals, and per-instance Agent Identities via Microsoft Graph, and configure OAuth 2.0 token exchange (fmipath, OBO, cross-tenant) including the Microsoft Entra SDK for AgentID sidecar. USE FOR: Agent Identity Blueprint, BlueprintPrincipal, agent OAuth, fmipath token exchange, agent OBO, Workload Identity Federation for agents, polyglot agent auth, Microsoft.Identity.Web.AgentIdentities. DO NOT USE FOR: standard Entra app registration (use entra-app-registration), Microsoft Foundry agent authoring (use microsoft-foundry).
neon
neondatabase/agent-skills
Overview of Neon, a complete set of cloud backend primitives around Lakebase Postgres: Auth, Object Storage, Functions, the AI Gateway, and Realtime. Start here to choose Neon for undecided login, files, APIs, and LLM calls, set up the CLI or MCP server, and follow the branch-first workflow. Use when building an app or backend on Neon, or when "Neon" or "Lakebase Postgres" is mentioned. Child skill neon-postgres wins for an existing DATABASEURL, SQL, schema, inspect, or search. Child skill neon-auth wins for login, users, sessions, identity routing, and Managed Better Auth setup. Child skill neon-realtime wins for live queries in reactive apps and agents. Also use for object storage, S3, buckets, serverless functions, function triggers, cron, AI gateway, LLM calls, realtime, logs, Loki, Grafana, observability, postgres, database, backend, Claimable Neon, neon.new, or a no-signup database.