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Copilot AI commented Jul 29, 2025

The global.json "paths" feature documentation was missing important clarification about when it applies, which could lead to user confusion when the feature doesn't work as expected in certain scenarios.

Problem

Users might expect the "paths" feature to affect all .NET application launch methods, but it only works with .NET SDK commands. The documentation didn't clearly state this limitation, potentially causing confusion when users try to use custom SDK paths with:

  • Native apphost launcher (app.exe)
  • Direct runtime execution (dotnet app.dll)
  • Runtime execution (dotnet exec app.dll)

Solution

Added a clear note in the "paths" section explaining:

  • The feature only works when using commands that engage the .NET SDK, such as dotnet run
  • It does NOT affect scenarios like running the native apphost launcher, dotnet app.dll, or dotnet exec app.dll
  • Users must use SDK commands to utilize the "paths" feature

Changes

  • Added informational note to the paths section in docs/core/tools/global-json.md
  • Updated .gitignore to exclude npm artifacts

The change is minimal and surgical, preserving all existing content while adding essential clarification for users.

Fixes #[issue-number]

This pull request was created as a result of the following prompt from Copilot chat.

Update the documentation at core/tools/global-json.md (specifically the section corresponding to https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/dotnet/core/tools/global-json#paths) to clarify that the global.json "paths" feature does not affect non-SDK scenarios. Add a note stating:

  • The "paths" feature only works when using commands that engage the .NET SDK, such as with dotnet run.
  • It does NOT affect scenarios such as running the native apphost launcher (app.exe), running with dotnet app.dll, or running with dotnet exec app.dll.
  • To use the "paths" feature, users must use SDK commands like dotnet run.

Ensure the documentation is clear for users who may expect the feature to affect all launch/run methods.


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docs/core/tools/global-json.md docs/core/tools/global-json

Copilot AI changed the title [WIP] Clarify that global.json paths do not affect non-SDK scenarios Clarify global.json paths feature limitations for SDK-only scenarios Jul 29, 2025
Copilot finished work on behalf of agocke July 29, 2025 18:52
Copilot AI requested a review from agocke July 29, 2025 18:52
Copilot AI requested a review from agocke July 29, 2025 20:12
Copilot finished work on behalf of agocke July 29, 2025 20:12
@agocke agocke marked this pull request as ready for review July 30, 2025 03:23
@agocke agocke requested review from a team and tdykstra as code owners July 30, 2025 03:23
@agocke agocke merged commit ab5e746 into main Jul 30, 2025
10 checks passed
@agocke agocke deleted the copilot/fix-8225998d-6f04-4fe1-80f4-8e4caa614828 branch July 30, 2025 04:32
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3 participants