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Get Started Free →dotnet/msbuild-antipatterns
Detect and fix MSBuild anti-patterns in project and build files. USE WHEN asked to review, audit, lint, clean up, or code-review a .csproj/.vbproj/.fsproj/.props/.targets/.proj (or Directory.Build.props/.targets) file, when asked 'is this project file correct?' or 'what's wrong with my build file?', or when hunting subtle build bugs caused by how a project is authored. Each anti-pattern has a symptom and a concrete BAD→GOOD fix. DO NOT USE FOR: non-MSBuild build systems (npm, Maven, CMake), or m
Passed 22 of 22 test cases with the skill, and 21 of 22 without it.
1 fixed21 passed either way0 still failing0 broke
Tokens, turns and time describe resource use, not a dollar price.
A test case the skill fixed. Same model, same prompt, with and without the skill.
When constructing a NuGet package helper where `buildTransitive/net8.0/MyPackage.props` forwards to a common sibling file, what TFM value should be used when referencing subfolders in multi-target packages?
| Checked | Without skill | With skill |
|---|---|---|
| Explain that the TFM folder segment must be derived from the file's own folder rather than $(TargetFramework) to prevent transitive consumer build errors. | Missed | Passed |
The instructions your model reads when the skill loads.
A numbered catalog of common MSBuild anti-patterns. Each entry follows the format:
Use this catalog when scanning project files for improvements.
<Exec> for Operations That Have Built-in TasksSmell: <Exec Command="mkdir ..." />, <Exec Command="copy ..." />, <Exec Command="del ..." />
Why it's bad: Built-in tasks are cross-platform, support incremental build, emit structured logging, and handle errors consistently. <Exec> is opaque to MSBuild.
<!-- BAD -->
<Target Name="PrepareOutput">
<Exec Command="mkdir $(OutputPath)logs" />
<Exec Command="copy config.json $(OutputPath)" />
<Exec Command="del $(IntermediateOutputPath)*.tmp" />
</Target>
<!-- GOOD -->
<Target Name="PrepareOutput">
<MakeDir Directories="$(OutputPath)logs" />
<Copy SourceFiles="config.json" DestinationFolder="$(OutputPath)" />
<Delete Files="@(TempFiles)" />
</Target>
Built-in task alternatives:
| Shell Command | MSBuild Task |
|---|---|
mkdir | <MakeDir> |
copy / cp | <Copy> |
test cases passed, vs 21 / 22 without
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