The debate over .NET vs .NET Core has been going over for quite a time now. There are plenty of pros and cons one language holds but ultimately it’s all about what is more efficient and time saving. So, read on to know more about what language is best for you.

What is a .NET framework?

ASP.NET is an open-source server-side web application framework designed for web development to produce dynamic web pages. It was developed by Microsoft to allow programmers to build dynamic web sites, web applications and web services.

It includes a large class library named Framework Class Library (FCL) and provides language interoperability across several programming languages. Programs written for .NET Framework execute in a software environment named Common Language Runtime(CLR), an application virtual machine that provides services such as security, memory management, and exception handling. FCL and CLR together constitute .NET Framework.

What is ASP.NET core?

.NET Core is a cross-platform free and open-source managed software framework similar to .NET Framework. It consists of CoreCLR, a complete cross-platform runtime implementation of CLR, the virtual machine that manages the execution of .NET programs. CoreCLR comes with an improved just-in-time compiler, called RyuJIT.

.NET vs .NET Core has been at there sheer best from time to time. .NET Core also includes CoreFX, which is a partial fork of FCL. While .NET Core shares a subset of .NET Framework APIs, it comes with its own API that is not part of .NET Framework.

.NET Core is also modular, meaning that instead of assemblies, developers work with NuGet packages. Unlike .NET Framework, which is serviced using Windows Update, .NET Core relies on its package manager to receive update.

Well, ending our debate of .NET vs .NET core, we conclude .NET Core to be better for use while making run time applications:-

Why?

1. Cross-platform support

Developers can target a single common set of libraries that are supported by multiple platforms:- 

1. Windows
2.  OS X
3.  Linux
4.  Docker

2. Cross-platform development experience

Developers can  build applications from various platforms like Windows, Linux, OS X.

3. Minimal Dependencies

Use only the libraries you need within an application resulting into advantages like:-

1. More modular
2. Smaller footprint
3. Reduced impact of upgrades
4. Great for mobile and cloud based applications.

ASP.NET Core provides the following improvements compared to ASP.NET:

• A unified story for building web UI and web APIs.
• Integration of modern client-side frameworks and development workflows.
• A cloud-ready environment-based configuration system.
• Built-in dependency injection.
• A light  and modular HTTP request pipeline.

So, to sum up the .NET vs .NET Core language fiasco, Server side applications can be build effectively with both the two choices. Both have many similarities like sharing the same .net platform components etc. You can also share codes across each languages. However, which one to prefer on runtime while building a code depends upon your requirements:

You should use .NET Core for your server application when:

• You have cross-platform needs.
• You are targeting microservices.
• You are using Docker containers.
• You need high-performance and scalable systems.
• You need side by side of .NET versions by application.

You should use .NET Framework for your server application when:

• Your application currently uses .NET Framework (recommendation is to extend instead of migrating)
• You need to use third-party .NET libraries or NuGet packages not available for .NET Core.
• You need to use .NET technologies that are not available for .NET Core.
• You need to use a platform that doesn’t support .NET Core.

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions!

 

What's the difference between.NET and.NET Core?

.NET and .NET Core are both frameworks developed by Microsoft for building applications. The main difference lies in their scope and suitable platform. NET is a complete framework that allows developers to create apps for Windows, macOS, and Linux. On the other hand, .NET Core is a cross-platform subset of .NET, primarily focused on creating applications for Windows, Linux, and macOS. While .NET Core offers greater flexibility and performance improvements, it initially needs some features found in the full .NET framework. With the release of.NET 5, Microsoft has merged both frameworks, making.NET 5 the follower to both.NET and.NET Core.

Which should I use:NET,.NET Core, or.NET 5?

The choice between .NET,.NET Core, and .NET 5 depends on your application's specific needs and target platforms. If you need to create applications for Windows, macOS, and Linux,.NET 5 is the best option because it combines the functionality of.NET and.NET Core. However, if you are only creating for Windows or have existing.NET Framework applications, using the full.NET Framework may be suitable. If cross-platform compatibility and improved performance are critical, choose.NET Core or.NET 5, which offer greater flexibility and modern development features.

Will my current.NET Framework applications run on.NET Core or.NET 5?

Migrating existing.NET Framework programs to.NET Core or.NET 5 might need some changes. While Microsoft has made efforts to improve them, there are differences in APIs and libraries between the frameworks. Simple applications might port smoothly, but complicated applications could require more significant changes. Additionally, third-party libraries and dependencies need to support the targeted framework. Microsoft provides migration tools and documentation to help developers in the transition process. Before migrating, thoroughly assess your application's involvement, trust, and platform requirements to determine the possibility and effort required for a successful migration.

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Is .NET Framework being minimized in favor of .NET Core and .NET 5?

Yes, the .NET Framework is being minimized in favor of .NET 5. Microsoft's. NET 5 release uses the features of the.NET Framework and.NET Core into a single, cross-platform framework. Microsoft's future development work will be focused on.NET 5 and future generations. While the.NET Framework will continue to be supported for current programs, Microsoft recommends the development of new apps using.NET 5 due to its improved speed, flexibility, and modern features. Migrating to .NET 5 protects access to the latest increase and long-term support from Microsoft.