microsoft-extensions-configuration

Bind and validate .NET application configuration at startup using the Options pattern.

Updated Mar 3, 2026

Search Tags:#validation #configuration #dotnet #options #ioptions #ioptionsmonitor

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npx skills add https://github.com/Thorstensen/claude-template --skill microsoft-extensions-configuration-thorstensen

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Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: microsoft-extensions-configuration
Source: https://github.com/Thorstensen/claude-template/tree/main/.claude/skills/microsoft-extensions-configuration
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/Thorstensen/claude-template --skill microsoft-extensions-configuration-thorstensen

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

Binding and validating configuration at startup to prevent misconfiguration and runtime failures.

Core Features & Use Cases

Basic Options Binding: Bind settings to POCOs and wire up the Options pattern.
Data Annotations Validation: Validate simple rules via attributes and integrate with startup validation.
IValidateOptions<T> for Complex Validation: Implement cross-property and dependency-driven validators.
Options Lifetime & Post-Configuration: Support IOptions, IOptionsSnapshot, IOptionsMonitor, and post-configuration hooks to normalize values before use.

Quick Start

Configure and validate application options by binding to POCOs, enabling startup validation, and applying post-configuration where needed.

Frequently Asked Questions about microsoft-extensions-configuration

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

FAQPage Schema

How do I validate .NET configuration at startup to fail fast on misconfiguration?▼

You can validate .NET configuration at startup by binding settings to POCOs and applying Data Annotations or custom IValidateOptions<T> logic. This checks for invalid settings during startup, ensuring the application fails immediately rather than encountering runtime errors.

What is the difference between IOptions, IOptionsSnapshot, and IOptionsMonitor for configuration?▼

IOptions provides singleton configuration values, IOptionsSnapshot recomputes values per request scope, and IOptionsMonitor provides real-time configuration updates. Choosing the right option lifetime ensures settings behave correctly across web, background, and test scenarios.

How do I implement complex cross-property validation for strongly-typed options?▼

Complex cross-property validation for strongly-typed options is implemented using the IValidateOptions<T> interface. This allows you to define dependency-driven validation rules that execute at startup, catching intricate misconfigurations that simple Data Annotations cannot handle.

Can I normalize or adjust configuration values before they are used?▼

Yes, you can normalize configuration values before they are used by applying post-configuration hooks. This allows you to adjust or compute derived settings immediately after binding, ensuring the strongly-typed options are fully prepared for the application.

Does startup validation work with background services and test scenarios?▼

Yes, startup validation works with background services and test scenarios. By binding to strongly-typed settings and applying validation, you can ensure consistent configuration checks across web, background, and test environments to prevent runtime failures.