What is Configuration in ASP.NET Core and how does it work?

Entry .NET Core Published: Nov 21, 2025

Quick Answer ASP.NET Core's configuration system reads from layered sources: appsettings.json â†’ appsettings.{Environment}.json â†’ environment variables â†’ command-line args â†’ secrets. Later sources override earlier ones. Access via IConfiguration["Section:Key"] or bind entire sections to strongly-typed options classes with IOptions.

Answer

ASP.NET Core uses a flexible, layered configuration system where multiple providers are combined to produce the final configuration.

Common sources include:

appsettings.json and appsettings.{Environment}.json
Environment variables
Command-line arguments
User Secrets and Azure Key Vault
In-memory configuration

Later providers override earlier ones, enabling environment-specific overrides and secure storage of secrets. Configuration values can be bound directly to strongly typed options classes.

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What is Configuration in ASP.NET Core and how does it work?

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