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incremental-build

Analyze MSBuild binlogs to diagnose and fix incremental build issues.

5.1k|377|Updated Feb 3, 2026
Search Tags:#diagnostics#performance tuning#build optimization#msbuild#incremental build#.net build
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/dotnet/skills --skill incremental-build
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent▼
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: incremental-build
Source: https://github.com/dotnet/skills/tree/main/plugins/dotnet-msbuild/skills/incremental-build
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/dotnet/skills --skill incremental-build

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

This Skill helps diagnose and fix slow MSBuild incremental builds, ensuring that only necessary code is recompiled after changes.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Diagnose Rebuilds: Identifies why targets are running when they should be skipped.
  • Optimize Incremental Builds: Guides on correctly setting up Inputs/Outputs and FileWrites.
  • Use Case: When your .NET project rebuilds entirely after a minor code change, this skill helps you pinpoint the exact cause and apply the correct MSBuild configurations to speed up subsequent builds.

Quick Start

Analyze the build process by running 'dotnet build /bl:second.binlog' and then searching for 'is newer than output' in the generated log.

Frequently Asked Questions about incremental-build

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

FAQPage Schema
Why does my .NET build recompile entirely after a minor code change?▼

MSBuild incremental builds fail when targets, inputs, outputs, or FileWrites are misconfigured, causing up-to-date checks to fail. This skill analyzes build logs to pinpoint the exact cause and apply the correct MSBuild configurations.

How do I diagnose slow MSBuild incremental builds?▼

Generate a binlog using 'dotnet build /bl:second.binlog' and search for 'is newer than output' in the log. This skill analyzes those diagnostic logs to identify why targets run when they should be skipped.

How do I configure MSBuild Inputs and Outputs for incremental build optimization?▼

Correctly set up Inputs, Outputs, and FileWrites in your project configuration to optimize MSBuild incremental builds. This skill guides you through adjusting these attributes to ensure only necessary code is recompiled after changes.

Can I use this skill to fix .NET build targets that should be skipped?▼

Yes, this skill fixes .NET build targets that should be skipped. It analyzes MSBuild target execution, file timestamp comparisons, and diagnostic binlogs to address issues with targets running unnecessarily during up-to-date checks.

What do I need to start analyzing MSBuild up-to-date check failures?▼

You need an understanding of MSBuild target execution and file timestamp comparisons, along with the ability to generate diagnostic binlogs using the 'dotnet build /bl' command to start analyzing MSBuild up-to-date check failures.

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