Default values and optional settings Use default values in POCOs or fallback logic: public class MySettings { public string ApiKey { get; set; } = "default-api-key"; } Or: var apiKey = config["MySettings:ApiKey"] ?

Short answer: Default values and optional settings Use default values in POCOs or fallback logic: public class MySettings { public string ApiKey { get; set; } = "default-api-key"; } Or: var apiKey = config["MySettings:ApiKey"] ?

Explain a bit more

is a common interview topic in ASP.NET Core. Give a clear definition, then one concrete example. Default values and optional settings Use default values in POCOs or fallback logic: public class MySettings { public string ApiKey { get; set; } = "default-api-key"; } Or: var apiKey = config["MySettings:ApiKey"] ? is a common interview topic in ASP.NET Core. Give a clear definition, then one concrete example.

Real-world example (ShopNest)

A ShopNest checkout request flows through middleware, hits a minimal API or controller, uses scoped services, and returns ProblemDetails on errors.

Say this in the interview

1. Define — one clear sentence (the short answer above).
2. Example — relate it to a project like ShopNest or your real work.
3. Trade-off — when you would not use it.