Clean Architecture with .NET

Learn Clean Architecture as a set of organizing principles, not just code templates. This book shows how to design scalable, testable .NET apps using modern patterns, DDD, CQRS, and secure Azure integration.

Free with your book: DRM-free PDF version + access to Packt's next-gen Reader*

Key Features

• Architect robust .NET apps with domain-driven, testable Clean Architecture
• Integrate Azure External ID and Key Vault with real-world cases
• Apply MediatR, CQRS, and modern .NET practices to streamline architecture
• Implement persistence with EF Core using a code-first approach and Clean Architecture boundaries
• Purchase of the print or Kindle book includes a free PDF eBook

Book Description

Learn how to apply Clean Architecture in real-world .NET applications with Azure in this guide. Designed around an e-commerce project - Project Odyssey, you’ll design and build every architectural layer, from core domain logic and application orchestration to infrastructure and presentation.

This book equips you to apply DDD, CQRS, MediatR, and dependency injection, enabling loosely coupled, testable systems. You’ll build reusable and modular code structures that scale with your application’s complexity and learn how to persist data using EF Core with a code-first approach, managing schema evolution with migrations while keeping infrastructure concerns isolated from your domain logic. Learn how to develop secure systems by integrating Azure External ID, Azure Key Vault, and application-level authentication and authorization.

Gain practical experience with Blazor Server, Razor components, and MudBlazor UI, all integrated within a layered architecture. Learn to enforce business logic boundaries, reduce boilerplate with generic request handlers, and use real-world use cases like payment processing and shopping cart management.

Whether you're new to Clean Architecture or scaling up enterprise solutions, this book provides the patterns, tools, and mindset to succeed.

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What you will learn

• Design scalable .NET applications with Clean Architecture principles
• Structure core logic using use cases, CQRS, and domain modeling
• Integrate Azure External ID, Key Vault, and secure service configurations
• Use EF Core with a code-first approach to manage database schemas and persistence
• Apply MediatR and FluentValidation for streamlined workflows
• Build rich UIs using Blazor Server and MudBlazor
• Build scalable multi-host applications with structured, transparent service composition
• Reduce architectural boilerplate while maintaining structure

Who this book is for

.NET developers, software engineers, and solution architects who want to build applications that are easier to understand, test, and evolve over time. This book is a good fit if you’re already familiar with C# and .NET, and want a clearer, more practical way to structure real-world applications using Clean Architecture. Basic knowledge of web development and Azure will help you follow along.

Table of Contents

1. Understanding the Limitations of Tightly Coupled Architectures
2. Introduction to Clean Architecture
3. Adapting Clean Architecture to .NET
4. Designing a Clean Architecture Application
5. Implementing the Core Layer
6. Implementing the Infrastructure Layer
7. Implementing the Persistence Layer
8. Implementing the Presentation Layer with Identity
9. Building Secure, Testable UI Components for Use Cases
10. Improving Clean Architecture in .NET with Structured Service Composition

(N.B. Please use the Read Sample option to see further chapters)

Casey Crouse is a seasoned software engineer who has made significant contributions to the field throughout his career. He has a strong background in automation testing, web development, and architecture design, having worked for major brands across different industries. Casey has been a driving force in implementing clean coding and architecture principles in various organizations, and his expertise has been invaluable in helping teams develop robust and scalable applications. With his extensive experience and expertise, Casey has played a key role in developing and maintaining foundational services at Microsoft that underpin some of the company's most critical offerings, including Microsoft Azure.

Steve “Ardalis” Smith is an entrepreneur and software developer passionate about building quality software efficiently. A Microsoft ASP.NET MVP, Steve is a prolific speaker and educator, with widely viewed courses on Pluralsight and Dometrain covering DDD, SOLID, design patterns, and software architecture. His company, NimblePros, helps teams avoid technical debt and deliver better software faster. Clients describe his team as a "force multiplier," enhancing the value of internal development teams through mentorship and expert guidance. He also leads DevBetter, a private developer coaching program, which has many positive testimonials from his members.