Differences Between .NET Core and .NET Framework

.NET Core Vs. .Net Framework

The difference between .NET and .NET Core is essential to understand when choosing a framework for your project. .NET, also called the .NET Framework, is a long-established platform mainly used for building Windows-based applications. On the other hand, .NET Core is a newer, lightweight, and cross-platform framework that works on Windows, macOS, and Linux. While .NET Framework is great for desktop and enterprise apps, .NET Core is ideal for modern, cloud-based, and scalable solutions.

In this .NET tutorial, we will explore the difference between .net and .net core, including what is .NET Framework?,

Also, consider learning ourASP.NET Core Course for a better understanding of .Net concepts.

What is the .NET Framework?

The .NET Framework is a Windows-based development platform by Microsoft for building desktop, web, and enterprise applications. It includes tools, libraries, and the Common Language Runtime (CLR) to support multiple programming languages.

• A free, open-source, cross-platform programming framework called .NET makes it possible to create a variety of online, mobile, and cloud computing apps.
• As of right now, it's a strong open-source development platform.
• The .NET Framework gets enhanced capabilities to enable developers to create more robust, secure, and efficient applications with each new version release.
• The latest version of .NET Framework is 4.8, and it is now in maintenance mode, receiving updates only for security and stability.

Key Characteristics of .NET Framework

Let's understand some key characteristics of the .NET Framework that are:

• Windows Focused: It is designed to create applications that run specifically on the Windows operating system.

• Rich Library Support: It provides a vast collection of built-in libraries to simplify tasks like file handling, database access, and web development.

• Multiple Language Support: Developers can use different programming languages, such as C#, VB.NET, and F#, within the same framework.

• Common Language Runtime (CLR): This is the engine that runs .NET applications, offering features like memory management, exception handling, and security.

• Strong Support for Enterprise Applications: It is widely used for creating large, scalable, and secure enterprise-level solutions.

• Integrated with Windows: It offers seamless integration with other Microsoft technologies like IIS for web hosting and SQL Server for databases.

What is the .NET Core?

.NET Core is a fast, open-source, and cross-platform framework by Microsoft for building apps. It works on Windows, macOS, and Linux, making it ideal for modern web, cloud, and scalable applications. It's lightweight, high-performing, and regularly updated for new technologies.

• All that.NET Core is a general-purpose, free, open-source development platform.
• It is used in the development of cloud-based software applications for the Windows, Linux, and macOS platforms.
• .NET is fast, scalable, and modern.
• The latest versions of .NET Core are now part of .NET (5 and above), which combines features of .NET Core and .NET Framework into a unified platform.

Key Characteristics of .NET Core

• Cross-Platform: .NET Core runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux, making it perfect for creating apps that work on different systems.

• Open-Source: It is free and open-source, allowing developers to contribute to its growth and use it without licensing costs.

• High Performance: .NET Core is optimized for speed and is well-suited for modern, high-performing applications.

• Lightweight and Modular: It allows developers to use only the parts they need, making applications faster and easier to manage.

• Cloud-Ready: Designed for modern cloud-based solutions, it integrates well with containers and microservices.

• Supports Multiple Languages: You can use C#, F#, and VB.NET to build applications in .NET Core.

Differences between .Net Core and .Net Framework

Let's understand the difference between the .NET and .NET Core:

When should you use .NET Core and .NET Framework

Here, we will learn when to use the .NET core and .NET Framework

We use .NET Core for the server application :

• When There is a cross-platform needed.
• When we have to Target microservices in some cases.
• When we have to use Docker containers in some cases.
• When we want high-performance and scalable systems.

We use the .NET Framework for the server application:

• When The application is to be built by the developer to run only on Windows.
• When an application uses .NET framework technologies that are not available for .NET Core.
• When the Application is already running on the .NET Framework.

Conclusion:

So, We have learned about the Difference Between .NET Core and .NET Framework. I hope you enjoyed learning these concepts while programming with .Net. Feel free to ask any questions from your side. Your valuable feedback or comments about this article are always appreciated.If you want to learn in-depth knowledge of .net, such as MVC and Web API, just enroll in the ASP.NET MVC with WebAPI Certification Training.

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