In software development, C# and .NET are two of the most used technologies. Both have different functions and purposes. Read on to know more about C# vs .NET.
In the IT industry, a person needs to have the skills and knowledge about programming languages and frameworks. And, when studying and Googling about these subjects, most often than not, the common results are C# and .NET. And the question pops out: What are the differences between C# vs .NET? In short, .NET developers typically using C# as the programming language of choice.
It is essential to define what they are first before making a comparison between C# vs .NET.
What is C#?
In overview, C# is a programming language created by Microsoft for Common Language Infrastructure (CLI). C# is both a component and object-oriented language. Hence, it is a perfect programming language to use and create software components. In addition, C# has its roots in C programming languages, making it easy to learn for C, C++, Java, and JavaScript programmers. C# also has features that help in developing durable applications and software, such as:
- Easy to learn and use
- Supports easy multithreading architecture implementation
- Provides supports for conditional compilation
- Has standard libraries
- Indexers for data organization
- Has provisions and supports for auto-garbage collection
- Windows-integrated
- Its exception handling allows for a structured approach to error detection and recovery
With these features, here are some advantages and disadvantages of C#:
Pros
- Based on the C programming language, it’s easy to learn for C++, C, Java, and JavaScript programmers.
- Safe as it is not a type-conversion, which means there is no data loss.
- C# has Properties and Indexers which are not available in some languages.
- It supports non-nullable and non-able types.
- C# is open-source with significant community support.
- It is cross-platform. Therefore, applications written in C# language will run on any operating system (OS).
- The compilation and execution time of C# is speedy.
Cons
- Wholly based on Microsoft’s .NET. As a result, it affects its flexibility as a programming language.
- C# is case-sensitive, which sometimes creates confusion during coding.
What is .NET?
As stated earlier, C# is a programming language. On the other hand, .NET is an open-source developer platform. Microsoft created .NET to provide a platform where the development of different applications is possible. In addition, the platform allows you to use multiple libraries, languages, and editors. Also, it lets you develop applications or software for desktop, web, games, and IoT (Internet of Things). Below are some of the components that make up .NET:
- Class library from .NET framework
- Common Type System
- Common Language Runtime
- Net AJAX
- Windows foundation for workflow, presentation, and communication
Just like C#, there are benefits and drawbacks of using .NET:
Pros
- Removing and adding features is very manageable
- Cross-platform as it supports multiple programming languages
- Easy implementation
- Built-in web standard services support
- Open-source with an active community
Cons
- It runs only in Windows. As a result, its integration has limited development environments
- Limited scalability and transaction capabilities on other platforms other than Windows
Main Difference between C# vs .NET
Defining what C# and .NET are and their capabilities and limitations will help pinpoint their differences. But first, let’s compare C# vs .NET using the four criteria below:
Implementation
There are differences in the implementation between C# vs .NET. Implementation of C#’s primary interface is through the same structure or class defined by the functionality of indices, events, methods, and properties.
On the other hand, .NET uses an inheritance model that is single implementation. Thus, a single class can implement multiple interfaces in the basic structure portfolio.
Architecture
The execution of C#’s architecture is on a .NET platform. At the same time, its programs are on a virtual execution system and a set of class libraries. The system is also known as Common Language Runtime (CLR).
However, in the .NET framework’s case, class libraries include Windows forms. Furthermore, the libraries are reusable for the development of different applications.
Usage
Because C# is a Microsoft creation, its uses are for Microsoft implemented products. Additionally, C# usage is mainly for the development of desktop-based applications.
While .NET is also a Microsoft creation, it is a platform for the development of Windows-based applications.
Support
As both C# and .NET are Microsoft creations, they have vast MSDN community support. On top of that, both are open-source where the community provides testing and updates for their features.
Choosing between C# vs .NET
In summary, C# is a programming language, while .NET is a developer platform. After comparing C# vs .NET, it is clear that both are essential for application development. Hence, developers should compare and analyze the connection between C# vs .NET before using one or the other, or both. Thus, by examining C# vs .NET from their implementation, usage, definition, and other factors, developers can identify their pros and cons.
Therefore, choosing between C# vs .NET should be based on your project’s needs, scope, and limitations. By doing so, utilizing any of these two will contribute to reaching your project goals.
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