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net core vs net framework

The Ultimate Guide for App Development: .NET Core v/s .NET Framework

Are you beginning a new web development project? Confused with which framework to choose?

Selecting the appropriate framework for a web development project is essential. Among the several options, .NET is a clear favorite for creating dynamic, scalable, and customized online applications. .NET is a Microsoft development that includes two major platforms: .NET Framework and .NET Core.

To assist you in selecting the ideal option for your app development requirements, this blog examines the main distinctions, advantages, and factors to take into account for each.

What is .NET?

The flexible .NET development platform can handle a wide range of workloads and application kinds. Its excellent performance, extensive feature set, and fruitful development environment are what make it appealing. With several implementations and an extensive resource library available under licenses authorized by OSI, the platform is open-source.

Advantages of .NET Framework

For Windows-based software, the original .NET platform—also referred to as the .NET Framework—was developed. Here are a few salient advantages:

  • Open-Source and Free: You can get the .NET Framework for free. It’s beneficial for projects and businesses with low funds because you can use and download it without having to pay for it because it’s open-source.
  • Rich Library Support: By offering a sizable library of pre-built components and APIs, it assists developers in creating feature-rich and flexible programs.
  • Comprehensive Community Support: A multitude of resources, including forums, tutorials, and documentation, are available from the large and active .NET community, which considerably aids in development.
  • Programming Languages Developers Know: The .NET Framework makes it easier for developers to start projects by enabling the use of well-known programming languages like C#, Visual Basic, and F#.
  • Robust Security: The robust security features integrated into the .NET Framework effectively mitigate risks such as SQL Injection and cross-site scripting.

What is .NET Core?

The most recent iteration of Microsoft’s .NET platform is called.NET Core. It was created as a free, open-source, cross-platform framework for Windows, MacOS, and Linux in order to meet the demands of contemporary applications.

Principal advantages consist of:

  • Cross-Platform Support: .NET Core is a flexible option for programs that must run on a variety of platforms because it supports a number of different operating systems.
  • Microservices Architecture: Microservices are supported by .NET Core, which allows developers to create applications that are made up of a group of loosely linked services that may be launched separately.
  • High Performance: Just-In-Time (JIT) compilation is used by .NET Core, which is optimized for performance, to improve the effectiveness of web applications.
  • Robust Community: Libraries and tools that improve development skills are among the many resources contributed to by the vibrant .NET Core community.
  • Open-Source: Just like the .NET Framework, the .NET Core is also available to developers, who can enhance it and gain from community support.
  • Cost-effective: Because of its cross-platform functionality, developers may work on many platforms with a single codebase, which lowers development expenses overall.

Critical Differences Between .NET Framework and .NET Core

Compatibility

  • .NET Framework: Only compatible with Windows.
  • .NET Core: Provides more flexibility for cross-platform apps and is compatible with Windows, Linux, and MacOS.

Performance

  • .NET Framework, although solid, it falls short of the .NET Core’s performance enhancements.
  • .NET Core, designed for optimal speed and effectiveness, this framework is perfect for high-volume applications.

Development and Deployment

  • .NET Framework: Less adaptable in terms of deployment and development than.NET Core.
  • Docker is supported by.NET Core, which simplifies the deployment and development procedures.

Microservices Support

  • .NET Core makes it easier to create microservices that can be independently developed and deployed
  • .NET Framework does not support microservices architecture.

Mobile App Development

  • Restricted compatibility with mobile development tools for the.NET Framework.
  • For the development of cross-platform mobile apps, .NET Core supports Xamarin.

CLI Tools

  • NET Framework: There isn’t as much user-friendly CLI assistance.
  • Lightweight CLI tools and good IDE integration are provided by .NET Core, which promotes productive development.

Support for WCF/REST Services

  • NET Framework provides support for both WCF and REST services.
  • .NET Core does not support WCF and instead concentrates on REST APIs.

Installation

  • Installing the.NET Framework requires setting up the SDK and runtime independently.
  • .NET Core, the runtime runs applications and installs SDKs as needed.

Deployment Model

  • The deployment model for the.NET Framework is more stringent and necessitates the deployment of servers beforehand.
  • More adaptable system updates and deployment techniques are made possible by.NET Core.

Security

  • .NET Framework: Depends on Code Access Security and Windows-based security features.
  • .NET Core: Provides improved protection with regular upgrades and current security technologies.

Porting from .NET-to-.NET Core

The following summary will assist you in selecting between .NET Core and .NET Framework depending on the requirements of your project:

.NET Framework is a good choice if your application requires specialist technologies like webforms, WCF, or workflow, which are incompatible with .NET Core.

Furthermore, if your program is intended for desktop or large-scale enterprise use and is Windows-only compatible, the .NET Framework is the most appropriate choice.

If your application relies on third-party libraries and was developed using the .NET Framework, then making this choice is a smart one. 

Using the .NET Framework is the ideal choice if your application needs to be delivered on cloud services such as Azure App Service that do not support .NET Core.

However, because it supports Linux, Mac OS X, and Windows, .NET Core is the best choice if your program needs to work across several platforms.

Additionally, it’s the best option if your project requires great performance and scalability, particularly if you’re using microservices or container technologies like Docker and Kubernetes.

Applications that require a greater learning curve from developers or that require multiple .NET versions to run on a single server are good candidates for .NET Core. These applications primarily rely on Command-Line Interface (CLI) control.

Final Thoughts

As both systems advance, the argument between .NET Core and.NET Framework never ends. Budgetary restrictions, development requirements, and project scope should all influence your decision.

Consider working with a .NET development company for professional guidance and assistance in leveraging the ideal platform for your business objectives and producing apps that yield significant outcomes.