Difference Between .NET Framework and .NET Core?

When working with .NET, you've probably come across terms like ".NET Framework" and ".NET Core." So what's the difference between the two and when should you use each one?

?? The .NET Framework

It is the original .NET platform that Microsoft developed. It provides a runtime environment and class libraries for building Windows desktop applications. The first version was released in 2002. It comprises two pivotal components:

?? Common Language Runtime (CLR): Manages the execution of applications, providing essential services like memory management, exception handling, and security.

?? Base Class Library (BCL): Houses a library of tried-and-tested, reusable code that developers leverage in their applications.

?? .NET Core

On the other hand, is a newer, open-source framework that runs on Windows, Linux, and macOS. It was first released in 2016 and is the future direction of .NET development. Key features include:

?? Cross-Platform Compatibility: .NET Core is not confined to Windows; it's designed to run seamlessly on Windows, macOS, and Linux.

?? Performance and Scalability: Lightweight, modular, and fast, .NET Core is engineered for high-performance and scalable applications, such as web, cloud, microservices, and containers.

?? Similarities and Enhancements: While sharing features and APIs with .NET Framework, .NET Core introduces improvements like a new runtime, project system, and an enhanced tooling experience.

The componentized architecture of .NET Core provides significant benefits for modern application development. You can optimize your apps by including just the libraries you need, reducing payload size.

?? A Shift in Paradigm: Transitioning from .NET Framework to .NET Core

As the development landscape evolves, developers are increasingly gravitating towards .NET Core for its flexibility, performance, and cross-platform capabilities. Understanding the differences between these frameworks is essential for making informed decisions in the dynamic world of software development.

The choice between .NET Framework and .NET Core depends on your platform and application requirements. Understanding the key differences allows you to pick the best technology for your project's needs.

?? Key Differences

There are a few key differences between .NET Framework and .NET Core:

• Platform Support - The .NET Framework only supports Windows, while .NET Core supports Windows, Linux, and macOS. This makes .NET Core great for cross-platform development.
• Open Source - .NET Core is open source and has a more community-focused development approach, while the .NET Framework is primarily driven by Microsoft.
• Performance - .NET Core was designed to perform better and be more lightweight than the .NET Framework.
• APIs - .NET Core contains a subset of the .NET Framework APIs and introduces some new APIs. Certain APIs are only available on one platform.

?? summary:

• Use .NET Framework for building Windows desktop apps, games, WPF, and Windows Forms - it provides access to the full .NET API surface.
• Use .NET Core for cross-platform server apps, microservices, web apps, IoT apps, and more - it's faster, more modern, and works across platforms.
• Check which APIs are available on each platform before deciding which to use in your app.

??Action

If you need to build modern, cross-platform .NET applications, it's time to start learning and adopting .NET Core. And even if you don't need cross-platform support yet, understanding the differences between .NET Core and Framework will allow you to make smarter architecture decisions as more .NET Core features come online.

Check out the links below for some great resources to level up your .NET Core knowledge!

?? .NET Core vs .NET Framework: Which technology is better? (techliance.com)

?? .Net Framework Vs .Net Core Vs .Net Standard (c-sharpcorner.com)

?? What's the Difference Between .NET Framework and .NET Core? (howtogeek.com)

?? Differences Between .NET Framework, .NET Core, and .NET Standard (code-maze.com)

I hope this helps explain the difference between these two important .NET platforms! Let me know if you have any other .NET questions.

#DotNet #SoftwareDevelopment #TechEvolution #DotNetFramework #DotNetCore #DeveloperInsights

Sources: Microsoft Documentation, Stack Overflow, Tech Blogs, c-sharpcorner, howtogeek, codemaze, Techliance