template-smart-defaults
Applies cross-parameter default rules when creating .NET projects with dotnet new, filling gaps consistently without overriding values the user set explicitly. USE FOR: choosing which target framework to pair with native AOT, deciding whether to keep HTTPS when authentication is enabled, recognizing that controllers and minimal-API flags are mutually exclusive, filling unset related parameters during project creation, explaining why a default was applied and ensuring an explicit user value is never overridden. DO NOT USE FOR: creating the project itself (use template-instantiation), finding or
npx skills add dotnet/skills --skill template-smart-defaults --agent claude-code
Same command for any agent — swap --agent for codex, cursor, copilot.
Weekly change comes from our own snapshots, not the repository page — it measures attention, not adoption.
# Template Smart Defaults This skill helps an agent fill in cross-parameter defaults when creating a `dotnet new` project. The rules below are guidance heuristics that keep related parameters consistent — they only fill gaps and never override a value the user set explicitly. ## When to Use - The user asks to create a project but leaves related parameters unspecified - A parameter the user chose implies a sensible value for another parameter - You need to explain why a particular default was selected ## When Not to Use - User wants to actually create the project — route to `template-instantiation` - User wants to find or compare templates — route to `template-discovery` or `template-comparison` - User wants to author or validate a custom template — route to `template-authoring` or `template-validation` ## Inputs | Input | Required | Description | |-------|----------|-------------| | Template short name | Yes | The template the project will be created from (e.g., `webapi`) | | Parameters already chosen | Yes | The parameter values the user has explicitly set | | Available choices | Recommended | Parameter names/choices from `dotnet new <template> --help` | ## Workflow 1. Gather the
- When to Use
- When Not to Use
- Inputs
- Workflow
- Required output
- Rules
- Validation
- Common Pitfalls
- More Info
What does the template-smart-defaults skill do?
Applies cross-parameter default rules when creating .NET projects with dotnet new, filling gaps consistently without overriding values the user set explicitly. USE FOR: choosing which target framework to pair with native AOT, deciding whether to keep HTTPS when authentication is enabled, recognizing that controllers and minimal-API flags are mutually exclusive, filling unset related parameters during project creation, explaining why a default was applied and ensuring an explicit user value is never overridden. DO NOT USE FOR: creating the project itself (use template-instantiation), finding or
How do I install it?
Run `npx skills add dotnet/skills --skill template-smart-defaults --agent claude-code` — it drops the skill into your project so the agent can pick it up. Swap the --agent value for codex, cursor or copilot if you use one of those.
Where does this skill come from?
From dotnet/skills, a repository with 4,927 stars. We read it straight from the repository tree rather than a submitted listing, so what you see here is what is actually published.
Is a popular skill a good skill?
Not necessarily. Stars measure attention, not adoption — a repository can trend for a week and be abandoned. That is why we show the weekly change from our own snapshots next to the total, instead of a single flattering number.