SDKstyle

SDKstyle refers to the modern project file format used by .NET SDK-based projects. In an SDK-style project, the root element uses the Sdk attribute, for example Project Sdk="Microsoft.NET.Sdk". The SDK provides centralized build logic and sensible defaults, allowing the project file to be lean and declarative, while the dotnet CLI and IDEs supply the rest.

Key features include the use of NuGet PackageReference for dependencies (instead of packages.config), support for TargetFramework and TargetFrameworks to target one or more runtimes, and minimal include lists since the SDK handles common items by globbing. The project file typically does not enumerate every source file; the SDK uses conventions to include files under the project by default. Many properties, such as OutputType, AssemblyName, and Version, are supplied by the SDK or via simple PropertyGroups.

SDK-style projects emerged with the .NET Core SDK in the mid-to-late 2010s and became standard for new .NET projects. They are supported by the dotnet CLI and Visual Studio, facilitating cross-platform development, simplified packaging, and smoother continuous integration.

Usage and practices include targeting multiple frameworks with TargetFrameworks, sharing configuration through Directory.Build.props, and leveraging transitive NuGet dependencies. This style also eases publishing libraries as NuGet packages and integrating with modern tooling. Migration from older csproj formats is supported, though some adjustments may be needed to accommodate differences in item handling and package management.