What is the difference between .NET Core and .NET Framework?
.NET Core and .NET Framework are both powerful software development frameworks created by Microsoft, but they have some key differences that distinguish them from each other.
.NET Framework:
.NET Framework has been around for quite some time and has been the primary framework for building Windows applications. It’s a comprehensive framework that provides developers with a rich set of libraries and tools for building desktop applications, web applications, and services on the Windows platform.
However, .NET Framework is limited to the Windows operating system and does not offer the same level of flexibility and portability as newer frameworks like .NET Core. Additionally, .NET Framework has a monolithic design, meaning that updates and improvements are tied to the Windows operating system and are released less frequently.
.NET Core:
.NET Core is a modern, cross-platform framework that was designed from the ground up to be leaner, faster, and more flexible than .NET Framework. Unlike .NET Framework, which is tied to the Windows operating system, .NET Core can run on Windows, macOS, and Linux, making it suitable for a wide range of development scenarios.
One of the key differences between .NET Core and .NET Framework is their architecture. .NET Core is modular, meaning that developers can include only the libraries and components they need for their application, resulting in smaller, more efficient deployments. Additionally, .NET Core is open-source and actively developed by the community, with frequent updates and improvements released on a regular basis.
Another significant difference is the focus on performance. .NET Core is optimized for performance and scalability, making it well-suited for building high-performance web applications, microservices, and cloud-native applications. Its lightweight footprint and efficient resource utilization make it an attractive choice for modern application development.
While both .NET Core and .NET Framework are powerful frameworks for building Windows applications, .NET Core offers greater flexibility, portability, and performance, making it the preferred choice for modern application development across multiple platforms.