dotnet-centralise-packages

Centralize NuGet package versions across a .NET solution by using Central Package Management to generate a Directory.Packages.props file next to the .sln file. This consolidates all direct dependencies into a single location and removes Version attributes from individual project PackageReference entries.

Central Package Management is a .NET feature that unifies NuGet package versions across a multi-project solution via Directory.Packages.props. Use it to ensure consistent builds, simplify maintenance, and resolve version conflicts by selecting the highest version globally.

Migrate a multi-project solution by locating the .sln file, generating Directory.Packages.props next to it, creating or updating Directory.Build.props, removing Version attributes from csproj PackageReference entries, and verifying the result with dotnet build to ensure everything compiles.

Central Package Management handles direct versus transitive packages and resolves version conflicts by selecting the highest version globally across the solution. This ensures build stability and uniform dependency versions throughout all projects.

Central Package Management works with existing Directory.Build.props files by updating them as needed during the centralization process. The skill creates or updates Directory.Build.props alongside generating Directory.Packages.props next to the .sln file.

NuGet package versions conflict across projects when individual csproj files reference different versions of the same package. Central Package Management resolves this by consolidating all versions into Directory.Packages.props and selecting the highest version globally to ensure uniform builds.