Leveraging Endpoints Explorer in .NET 8 Minimal API

In this article, we'll explore how to leverage the Endpoints Explorer in a .NET 8 Minimal API application for debugging and sending requests. We'll create a simple API that receives a string called name and returns a hello message.

Sample Minimal API Code

var builder = WebApplication.CreateBuilder(args);

builder.Services.AddScoped<IMessageService, MessageService>();

var app = builder.Build();

app.MapGet("/", (string name, IMessageService service) => service.Get(name));

app.Run();

public interface IMessageService
{
    string Get(string name);
}

public class MessageService : IMessageService
{
    public string Get(string name)
    {
        return $"Hello {name}!";
    }
}

Steps to Leverage Endpoints Explorer

Step 1: Open Endpoints Explorer

1. Navigate to View -> Other Windows -> Endpoints Explorer or use the shortcut Alt + E, Alt + E.
2. In the Endpoints Explorer, expand and select the GET endpoint with the path /..

Step 2: Generate .http file

1. Right-click on the selected endpoint.
2. Choose Generate request option from the context menu. This action will generate an associated .http file containing the details of the request.
3. Edit the generated .http file to send a sample request with the name parameter.

Step 3: Set Breakpoints in the Method

1. Open the Program.cs.
2. Locate the Get method.
3. Set a breakpoint at the beginning of the Get method. This will pause the execution of the code when the breakpoint is hit during debugging.

Step 4: Debug from the .http File

1. Navigate to the generated .http file.
2. Click on the "Debug" option within the file. This will trigger the API request associated with the endpoint.
3. Observe the debugger will hit the breakpoint in the method.

This article demonstrates the power of Endpoints Explorer in debugging and testing your .NET 8 Minimal API applications. Understanding how to use these tools is essential for efficient development and troubleshooting.