dotnet-sample-apphost

name	dotnet-sample-apphost
description	Keep repo-local .NET sample apps zero-config by avoiding native apphosts when macOS integrity enforcement can kill them
domain	dotnet-samples
confidence	medium
source	earned

Context

Use this when a repo-local .NET sample console app runs correctly via dotnet exec <app>.dll but dies immediately when launched through dotnet run or the generated native executable on macOS.

Patterns

1. Prove whether the failure is in app logic or host packaging by comparing the generated native apphost with dotnet exec on the built DLL.
2. If the DLL path works and the native apphost is the only failing path, prefer <UseAppHost>false</UseAppHost> in the sample app project.
3. Keep this scoped to samples and local demos unless there is a shipping requirement for a native launcher.
4. Validate with build + run + test so the zero-config first-run promise stays intact.

Examples

• samples/Sample.Simplified/Sample.Simplified.App/Sample.Simplified.App.csproj

Anti-Patterns

• Chasing application code changes when the process is being killed before Main().
• Keeping a native apphost for a sample when the managed host path is the stable cross-machine option.