> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://framework.aic.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://framework.aic.io/technical-guidelines-code-standards-and-tech-stack/templates-and-reference-assets/directory.packages.props-template.md).

# Directory.Packages.props Template

## Purpose

Central package management keeps NuGet versions consistent across projects.

## Template

```xml
<Project>
  <PropertyGroup>
    <ManagePackageVersionsCentrally>true</ManagePackageVersionsCentrally>
  </PropertyGroup>

  <ItemGroup>
    <PackageVersion Include="Microsoft.Extensions.Logging" Version="[approved-version]" />
    <PackageVersion Include="Microsoft.EntityFrameworkCore" Version="[approved-version]" />
    <PackageVersion Include="Microsoft.EntityFrameworkCore.SqlServer" Version="[approved-version]" />
    <PackageVersion Include="xunit" Version="[approved-version]" />
    <PackageVersion Include="Microsoft.NET.Test.Sdk" Version="[approved-version]" />
  </ItemGroup>
</Project>
```

## Rules

* Pin package versions centrally.
* Do not allow random per-project package upgrades.
* Review transitive dependencies.
* Keep package updates small and testable.
* Record major package upgrades in changelog or ADR where material.