Document the .NET SDK Artifacts Output Layout for .NET 8

[baronfel]

Describe the new article

In .NET 8 the .NET SDK added support for a feature we're calling the 'artifacts output format', which is a centralized, simplified layout for project outputs that tackles several long-standing user reports about pain points working with 'standard' SDK artifact layouts. This layout was designed here and implemented here.

We need to document the new layout, how it's computed, how it's enabled, and how it can be customized.

Key points:

• The feature is best configured through use of a Directory.Build.props file (new concept to a lot of folks, we have an easy way to get started with one in the CLI now)
• The default layout is four levels only now: <root>/<artifact type>/<project name>/<pivots>
• The feature has some properties that control its use:
  • UseArtifactsOutput - boolean property that controls if the feature is used at all
  • ArtifactsPath - string property that controls where the new 'root' of the layout will begin (defaults to a directory named 'artifacts' in the repo next to the Directory.Build.props (if any))
  • ArtifactsPivots - string property that allows for customizing the <pivots> the artifacts go into
    • defaults to a combination of TFM, Configuration, RID (dropping any of those that are not present)

We can reference the preview 3 and preview 4 blog post updates for this feature for content as well.

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Document Details

⚠ Do not edit this section. It is required for learn.microsoft.com ➟ GitHub issue linking.

• ID: 47d5789d-4edb-3d22-9a8a-fdad704b8384
• Version Independent ID: c92f0188-38cb-c658-5f1b-e2a3ce2d34e9
• Content: .NET SDK overview
• Content Source: docs/core/sdk.md
• Product: dotnet-fundamentals
• Technology: dotnet-cli
• GitHub Login: @gewarren
• Microsoft Alias: dotnetcontent

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Associated WorkItem - 166836

[gewarren]

Can also link to new article from here: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/dotnet/core/whats-new/dotnet-8#simplified-output-paths.