| name | mcaf-dotnet-netarchtest |
| description | Use the open-source free `NetArchTest.Rules` library for architecture rules in .NET unit tests. Use when a repo wants lightweight, fluent architecture assertions for namespaces, dependencies, or layering. |
| compatibility | Requires a .NET test project; works with any unit-test framework. |
MCAF: .NET NetArchTest
Trigger On
- the repo uses or wants
NetArchTest.Rules
- architecture rules should be enforced in automated tests
Value
- produce a concrete project delta: code, docs, config, tests, CI, or review artifact
- reduce ambiguity through explicit planning, verification, and final validation skills
- leave reusable project context so future tasks are faster and safer
Do Not Use For
- very rich architecture modeling that needs a heavier DSL
Inputs
- the nearest
AGENTS.md
- architecture boundaries to enforce
- target assemblies
Quick Start
- Read the nearest
AGENTS.md and confirm scope and constraints.
- Run this skill's
Workflow through the Ralph Loop until outcomes are acceptable.
- Return the
Required Result Format with concrete artifacts and verification evidence.
Workflow
- Encode only durable architecture rules:
- forbidden dependencies
- namespace layering
- type shape conventions
- Keep rules readable and close to the boundary they protect.
- Fail tests on architecture drift, not on temporary style noise.
Bootstrap When Missing
If NetArchTest.Rules is not configured yet:
- Detect existing setup:
rg -n "NetArchTest\\.Rules" -g '*.csproj' .
- Add the package to the architecture test project:
dotnet add TEST_PROJECT.csproj package NetArchTest.Rules
- Add at least one executable boundary rule test.
- Wire architecture tests into the standard
test command in AGENTS.md and CI.
- Run
dotnet test TEST_PROJECT.csproj and return status: configured or status: improved.
- If richer modeling is required and
ArchUnitNET is chosen as the standard, return status: not_applicable.
Deliver
- architecture tests that are understandable and stable
- boundary checks wired into the normal test path used by agents and CI
Validate
- the rules map to real boundaries the team cares about
- failures point to actionable dependency drift
Ralph Loop
Use the Ralph Loop for every task, including docs, architecture, testing, and tooling work.
- Plan first (mandatory):
- analyze current state
- define target outcome, constraints, and risks
- write a detailed execution plan
- list final validation skills to run at the end, with order and reason
- Execute one planned step and produce a concrete delta.
- Review the result and capture findings with actionable next fixes.
- Apply fixes in small batches and rerun the relevant checks or review steps.
- Update the plan after each iteration.
- Repeat until outcomes are acceptable or only explicit exceptions remain.
- If a dependency is missing, bootstrap it or return
status: not_applicable with explicit reason and fallback path.
Required Result Format
status: complete | clean | improved | configured | not_applicable | blocked
plan: concise plan and current iteration step
actions_taken: concrete changes made
validation_skills: final skills run, or skipped with reasons
verification: commands, checks, or review evidence summary
remaining: top unresolved items or none
For setup-only requests with no execution, return status: configured and exact next commands.
Load References
- read
references/netarchtest.md first
Example Requests
- "Add architecture tests with NetArchTest."
- "Block UI from referencing data directly."