MSBuild Modernization: Legacy to SDK-style Migration

Identifying Legacy vs SDK-style Projects

Legacy indicators:

• <Import Project="$(MSBuildToolsPath)\Microsoft.CSharp.targets" />
• Explicit file lists (<Compile Include="..." /> for every .cs file)
• ToolsVersion attribute on <Project> element
• packages.config file present
• Properties\AssemblyInfo.cs with assembly-level attributes

SDK-style indicators:

• <Project Sdk="Microsoft.NET.Sdk"> attribute on root element
• Minimal content — a simple project may be 10–15 lines
• No explicit file includes (implicit globbing)
• <PackageReference> items instead of packages.config