What are pipeline templates and how are they used?

Short answer: What are pipeline templates and how are they used? Answer: Templates let you reuse pipeline steps across projects — great for standardization.

Example code

You can create a reusable file: 📄 .azure-pipelines/build-template.yml steps: script: dotnet restore script: dotnet build Then in your main pipeline: extends: template: .azure-pipelines/build-template.yml This keeps your YAML DRY (Don’t Repeat Yourself) and consistent.

Real-world example (ShopNest)

ShopNest’s YAML pipeline builds on every PR, runs unit tests, then deploys to a staging slot on main-branch merges.

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.