When building applications that require frequent configuration changes, it can be difficult to ensure that the application is correctly configured. In this article, Microsoft MVP and developer Kevin Smith demonstrates how to add validation to .NET configuration using data annotations and custom validators. By implementing these validators, developers can detect invalid configuration early on, preventing strange behaviors and bugs from occurring later. Smith also covers the .NET options pattern, which allows developers to implement typed configuration and layer configuration providers. This approach provides a way to supplement and override configuration per environment, making it easier to manage complex configurations in large-scale applications. Overall, this article is an essential read for developers looking to create resilient, well-configured .NET applications.
