aspire-init

Scaffolds an Aspire AppHost skeleton in repositories using aspire init or aspire new.

Updated Mar 1, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/Hexalith/Hexalith.Parties --skill aspire-init-hexalith
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: aspire-init
Source: https://github.com/Hexalith/Hexalith.Parties/tree/main/.agents/skills/aspire-init
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/Hexalith/Hexalith.Parties --skill aspire-init-hexalith

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill includes references (resource) components.

What problem does it solve? Adding .NET Aspire orchestration to a repository requires choosing the right entry command, detecting whether an AppHost already exists, and picking the correct template or language path. This Skill removes that guesswork by guiding the first-run setup flow and preventing duplicate or conflicting AppHost scaffolding. ## Core Features & Use Cases - AppHost Detection: Checks for existing C#, file-based, and TypeScript AppHosts plus aspire.config.json before running any init command, routing to other skills when one already exists. - Template Selection: Chooses between aspire new (greenfield starters like aspire-starter, aspire-ts-starter, aspire-py-starter) and aspire init (existing repos) with non-interactive flags for agent execution. - Handoff Orchestration: After dropping the skeleton, hands off to the aspireify skill for resource wiring and to aspire-orchestration for validation via aspire start. - Use Case: You have an existing repo with an Express API and a .NET service and want to add Aspire. The Skill confirms no AppHost exists, runs aspire init with the right language flag, then hands off to aspireify to wire the services. ## Quick Start Ask the agent to add Aspire to this repository and scaffold the AppHost skeleton for the existing services.

Frequently Asked Questions about aspire-init

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I add Aspire to an existing repository?

Run aspire init with an explicit language flag, such as aspire init --language csharp --non-interactive. This drops a minimal AppHost skeleton and aspire.config.json next to your existing code without modifying project files, then the aspireify skill wires the resources.

What is the difference between aspire init and aspire new?

aspire new generates a full starter solution from a template in a new directory, while aspire init drops a minimal AppHost skeleton into an existing repo. Use aspire new for greenfield projects and aspire init when services already exist.

Which Aspire starter templates are available with aspire new?

Available templates include aspire-starter (ASP.NET Core/Blazor), aspire-ts-cs-starter, aspire-py-starter (FastAPI/React with a TypeScript AppHost), aspire-ts-starter (Express/React), and the minimal aspire-empty and aspire-ts-empty scaffolds.

Can I run aspire init if an AppHost already exists?

No. If any AppHost signal exists, such as a .csproj with Aspire.AppHost.Sdk, an apphost.cs or apphost.ts file, or aspire.config.json, do not run aspire init. Route to the aspireify skill for re-wiring or aspire-orchestration for lifecycle operations instead.

Why does aspire init fail in non-interactive mode?

aspire init fails in non-interactive mode when multiple language paths are available and no --language flag is passed. Re-run with --language csharp or --language typescript to resolve it.

Does aspire init wire my services into the AppHost?

No. aspire init only drops the AppHost skeleton, aspire.config.json, and the aspireify agent skill. Resource wiring, references, and integrations are handled afterward by the aspireify skill, then validated with aspire start.