dotnet-best-practices
Ensure .NET/C code meets best practices for the solution/project.
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Install
Works with every agent the skills CLI supports.
npx skills add https://github.com/github/awesome-copilot --skill dotnet-best-practices- 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-best-practices automatically when relevant.
- 03
Review the result
The agent follows the SKILL.md steps, scripts and references bundled with the skill.
Security audits
Independent scans of the skill's instructions and bundled files.
SKILL.md
The instructions your agent reads when the skill is triggered.
.NET/C# Best Practices
Your task is to ensure .NET/C# code in ${selection} meets the best practices specific to this solution/project. This includes:
Documentation & Structure
- Create comprehensive XML documentation comments for all public classes, interfaces, methods, and properties
- Include parameter descriptions and return value descriptions in XML comments
- Follow the established namespace structure: {Core|Console|App|Service}.{Feature}
Design Patterns & Architecture
- Use primary constructor syntax for dependency injection (e.g.,
public class MyClass(IDependency dependency)) - Implement the Command Handler pattern with generic base classes (e.g.,
CommandHandler<TOptions>) - Use interface segregation with clear naming conventions (prefix interfaces with 'I')
- Follow the Factory pattern for complex object creation.
Dependency Injection & Services
- Use constructor dependency injection with null checks via ArgumentNullException
- Register services with appropriate lifetimes (Singleton, Scoped, Transient)
- Use Microsoft.Extensions.DependencyInjection patterns
- Implement service interfaces for testability
Resource Management & Localization
- Use ResourceManager for localized messages and error strings
- Separate LogMessages and ErrorMessages resource files
- Access resources via
_resourceManager.GetString("MessageKey")
Async/Await Patterns
- Use async/await for all I/O operations and long-running tasks
- Return Task or Task<T> from async methods
- Use ConfigureAwait(false) where appropriate
- Handle async exceptions properly
Testing Standards
- Use MSTest framework with FluentAssertions for assertions
- Follow AAA pattern (Arrange, Act, Assert)
- Use Moq for mocking dependencies
- Test both success and failure scenarios
- Include null parameter validation tests
Configuration & Settings
- Use strongly-typed configuration classes with data annotations
- Implement validation attributes (Required, NotEmptyOrWhitespace)
- Use IConfiguration binding for settings
- Support appsettings.json configuration files
Semantic Kernel & AI Integration
- Use Microsoft.SemanticKernel for AI operations
- Implement proper kernel configuration and service registration
- Handle AI model settings (ChatCompletion, Embedding, etc.)
- Use structured output patterns for reliable AI responses
Error Handling & Logging
- Use structured logging with Microsoft.Extensions.Logging
- Include scoped logging with meaningful context
- Throw specific exceptions with descriptive messages
- Use try-catch blocks for expected failure scenarios
Performance & Security
- Use C# 12+ features and .NET 8 optimizations where applicable
- Implement proper input validation and sanitization
- Use parameterized queries for database operations
- Follow secure coding practices for AI/ML operations
Code Quality
- Ensure SOLID principles compliance
- Avoid code duplication through base classes and utilities
- Use meaningful names that reflect domain concepts
- Keep methods focused and cohesive
- Implement proper disposal patterns for resources
FAQ
What does the dotnet-best-practices skill do?
Ensure .NET/C code meets best practices for the solution/project.
How do I install dotnet-best-practices?
Run npx skills add https://github.com/github/awesome-copilot --skill dotnet-best-practices 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-best-practices/ (personal) or .claude/skills/dotnet-best-practices/ (project).
Which AI agents can use dotnet-best-practices?
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-best-practices safe to install?
Security partners have reviewed it: Gen Agent Trust Hub passed; Socket passed; Snyk passed; Runlayer flagged items to review; ZeroLeaks passed. As with any skill, read the SKILL.md and bundled scripts before installing.
Who maintains dotnet-best-practices?
It is published by github in github/awesome-copilot, and it is an official skill from the maker of the technology it covers. It has 15,819 recorded installs.
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