How do you create a custom template for an ASPNET Core project using the CLI

Custom templates in ASP.NET Core allow you to create project scaffolding that fits your specific needs. By creating a custom template, you can streamline the process of setting up new projects with predefined configurations, files, and settings. This guide will walk you through the steps to create a custom template for an ASP.NET Core project using the .NET Command Line Interface (CLI).

What is a Custom Template?

A custom template is a reusable project structure that can be used to generate new projects with a specific configuration. Templates can include files, folders, and settings that are common to your projects, allowing you to maintain consistency and save time when starting new projects.

How to Create a Custom Template

To create a custom template for an ASP.NET Core project, follow these steps:

Step 1: Create a New ASP.NET Core Project

First, create a new ASP.NET Core project that you want to use as the basis for your template. You can do this using the following command:

dotnet new webapp -n MyCustomTemplate

This command creates a new ASP.NET Core web application named MyCustomTemplate.

Step 2: Customize Your Project

Navigate to the project directory and customize the project as needed. You can add files, modify settings, and configure dependencies to match your desired template structure.

cd MyCustomTemplate

Make any necessary changes to the project files, such as adding controllers, views, or services.

Step 3: Create a Template Configuration File

In the root of your project, create a new folder named template.config. Inside this folder, create a file named template.json. This file will define the template's metadata and configuration.

mkdir template.config
touch template.config/template.json

Open template.json in a text editor and add the following content:

{
      "author": "Your Name",
      "classifications": [ "Web", "ASP.NET Core" ],
      "identity": "MyCustomTemplate",
      "name": "My Custom ASP.NET Core Template",
      "shortName": "mycustomtemplate",
      "sourceName": "MyCustomTemplate"
    }

In this configuration:

author: Your name or organization.
classifications: Categories for the template.
identity: A unique identifier for the template.
name: The display name of the template.
shortName: The command you will use to create a project from this template.
sourceName: The name of the project that will be replaced with the new project name.

Step 4: Pack the Template

To create a NuGet package for your template, run the following command from the project directory:

dotnet pack --output ./nupkgs

This command generates a NuGet package in the nupkgs folder.

Step 5: Install the Template

To install your custom template, use the following command:

dotnet new -i ./nupkgs/MyCustomTemplate.*.nupkg

This command installs the template, making it available for use in new projects.

Step 6: Create a New Project Using the Custom Template

Now that your custom template is installed, you can create a new project using it with the following command:

dotnet new mycustomtemplate -n NewProjectName

Replace NewProjectName with the desired name for your new project. This command will generate a new ASP.NET Core project based on your custom template.

Conclusion

Creating a custom template for an ASP.NET Core project using the CLI is a powerful way to standardize your project setup and improve efficiency. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can create, customize, and use your own templates, ensuring that new projects are consistent and tailored to your development needs. This approach not only saves time but also enhances collaboration within teams by providing a common starting point for projects.