Last Updated on 2024-10-11
The .NET Core vs .NET framework discussion untangles the basic differences between the two. You will then understand why you even have to choose.
Coming into the .NET universe cold can be a bit like being in a maze. You might start out going in the right direction, but then you come to a dead end. If you know the difference between .NET Core vs .NET, then you have the map to the maze.
Defining .NET Core vs .NET framework
.NET Core is for developing cloud applications. It is a cross-platform framework. Thus, it operates on Windows, Linux, and Mac operating systems. On the other hand, the .NET framework is for developing desktop applications, web applications, and web services. However, it only works on Windows.
One of the reasons for the confusion between .NET Core vs .NET is the same first name. However, these two brothers have more than that in common.
Both are open source (at least, some of the .NET components are). Both are developed by Microsoft. They also use the .NET Standard, specifying the .NET application program interfaces available. Additionally, .NET and .NET Core both use the framework class library or FCL to run applications. This is a collection of value and data types, runtime libraries, compiler libraries, interfaces, and reusable classes. Microsoft also maintains both runtimes.
History of .NET Core vs .NET
So, if .NET Core and .NET have so much in common, why would a developer have to choose? You will see why if you look at the history.
The .NET dream
The .NET framework first came to the fore in 2002. Initially, Microsoft wanted it to be the one framework to rule all programming languages. However, while developers could use over 60 programming languages (only 11 developed by Microsoft) on .NET, it only ran on Windows.
It did not prove to be a deal breaker for many developers, though. In fact, Microsoft continued to work on improving .NET. As a result, developers went on using .NET, especially after the introduction of Silverlight and Xamarin. However, they ran into portability issues when expanding the compatibility of .NET to other platforms.
Despite all these improvements to the framework, achieving a true cross-platform environment was elusive. This led to the development of .NET Core.
.NET Core rises
Finally, Microsoft decided to start working on a reboot to .NET in 2014. They came up with .NET Core in 2016, designed specifically to support cross-platform runtimes.
The new framework has a modular design. Simply put, it comes with lighter versions of the core development components, and that is it. As a result, a developer has the option choose to add modules. They just have to download them from the NuGet gallery. Because of this, .NET Core was simple to deploy and portable.
Differences of .NET Core vs .NET
You might think that .NET Core is the same as .NET, except better, based on the history. However, that is not the case. Read on to see a summary of their differences.
Operating Systems
Because it is a cross-platform framework, .NET Core works on Windows as well as Linux and Mac OS. An application based on it can run on any of these systems. In contrast, .NET is truly compatible with Windows only, notwithstanding Mono, Silverlight, and Xamarin.
Application types
One of the drawbacks of .NET Core is developers cannot use it to for desktop applications. It is primarily useful in developing server-side or cloud-based applications. By comparison, .NET works with desktop as well as web applications.
Installation
The .NET is a single package of everything a developer might need to build a Windows application. In other words, it comes with all the components for developing for Windows. A developer has no choice on what they get.
On the other hand, .NET Core uses modules. The package only includes the basic development components. After that, the developer can choose only modules they need for their chosen platform.
Mobile development
Mobile apps are becoming more important for businesses. However, .NET does not support their development at all, and that is a problem.
On the other hand, the .NET Core has some support for mobile apps. It is compatible with Xamarin and other open-source platforms for mobile applications.
Microservices support
Microservices break down a large application into smaller applications and services. This makes it easier to scale and manage. .NET supports REST API, but not the microservice architecture.
On the other hand .NET Core supports both. This allows the developer to work on one component at a time without affecting the whole system.
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Deployment
.NET Core updates automatically initiate in existing applications. The process does not affect the performance of the application.
Updates deploy first on the Internet Information Server in the .NET framework. Thus, the person maintaining the applications will have to update each one manually.
When to Use .NET Core vs .NET
Choosing when to use one or the other framework will depend on the project. In general, the .NET Core framework is appropriate for cloud-based and server-side applications. On the other hand, .NET is for web-based and desktop applications on Windows.
.NET Core
Use it when the application:
- Requires cross-platform compatibility
- Uses microservices and/or Docker containers
- Needs high performance and scalability
- Runs multiple .NET versions on the same server
- Benefits from command-line interface control
.NET
Use it when the application:
- Runs only on Windows
- Is for desktop or large-scale enterprise use
- Requires Windows services
- Uses technologies that are not in .NET Core, e.g., ASP.NET Web Forms application
- Currently exists
- Uses third-party libraries
- Deploys on a cloud service that does not support .NET Core, e.g., Azure App Service
Summary
The debate on .NET and .NET Core shows the key differences of the two platforms. As a result, they can push developers on the fence, one way or the other.
That said, technologies are changing all the time. For instance, Microsoft introduced .NET 5 in November 2020. It runs on multiple platforms, including iOS and Android. Thus, its introduction resolves many issues with the .NET ecosystem. This is good to know for future software development.
In other words, the differences between .NET Core and .NET are becoming more academic every day. However, for those that want to know, the truth is up there.
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Matt Watson is a serial tech entrepreneur who has started four companies and had a nine-figure exit. He was the founder and CTO of VinSolutions, the #1 CRM software used in today’s automotive industry. He has over twenty years of experience working as a tech CTO and building cutting-edge SaaS solutions.
As the CEO of Full Scale, he has helped over 100 tech companies build their software services and development teams. Full Scale specializes in helping tech companies grow by augmenting their in-house teams with software development talent from the Philippines.
Matt hosts Startup Hustle, a top podcast about entrepreneurship with over 6 million downloads. He has a wealth of knowledge about startups and business from his personal experience and from interviewing hundreds of other entrepreneurs.