Comparing .Net vs. .Net Core: Their Differences Explained
Posted on 04/25/2023 by Niko Venev
When students discuss the pros and cons of learning .NET and .NET Core, confusion often abounds. Microsoft's naming schema can make it easy for new students to confuse different products, both past and present. When determining the differences between these development tools and finding out which one you'd like to learn more about, it can be best to gain a basic understanding of what each product is and does.
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Understanding .NET Framework, .NET, and .NET Core
It's not uncommon for the uninitiated to refer to the .NET Framework, .NET, and .NET Core interchangeably. Each product, however, has its own history and use. Most professionals refer to the .NET Framework as the traditional version of .NET that was created in 2002, ran on Windows, and aided in deploying services, websites, and desktop applications. The modernized version was .NET Core, an open-source and cross-platform solution that ran on macOS and Linux in addition to Windows. Finally, the latest iteration is simply called .NET, which is supposed to combine the best of both the .NET Framework and .NET Core worlds.
Still, when students discuss the merits of .NET vs .NET Core, they are likely referring to the .NET Framework. For this reason, when discussing .NET, we'll be referring to the .NET Framework unless otherwise noted.
Platform Limits and Versatility
One of the distinguishing features of .NET Core is its ability to be used across several different platforms. Unlike the .NET Framework, .NET Core can be deployed in a macOS or Linux environment. This has made it an appropriate choice for those developers who work with several different systems. It's also been great for developing applications that are primarily intended to be used on the Web and on mobile devices.
While the .NET Framework is known for its versatility, it was initially designed to be used within Windows and to create ASP.NET applications. Additionally, some software developers in the past may have felt stifled by the need to rely on several application programming interfaces (APIs) to complete work. They also had to contend with the finicky nature of the platform, which could unexpectedly affect completed applications if changes were made to it. Though every career is unique, these qualities may have proven limiting to a professional who had expansive ambitions.
Practical Applications of .NET vs .NET Core
Individuals who specialized in creating online applications often opted for .NET Core, as it gained momentum among software developers and easily functioned in an enterprise, or corporate, environment. In fact, many of these establishments preferred that their developers use .NET Core to create online applications due to its modular design and ability to be scaled depending on needs.
At the same time, many developers relied on the .NET Framework because of its ubiquitous presence, high level of support, and convenient native integration in Windows. When used with Visual Studio, it could create even more products than initially intended. In short, the .NET Framework was the tried-and-true staple of developers everywhere looking for small-scale and enterprise solutions for years.
The Future of .NET Core and .NET
While there's been some recent hand-wringing over the future of the legendary .NET Framework, the platform continues to be robust and supported by Microsoft. There have, however, been important changes that some developers may find interesting. The final release of the traditional .NET Framework was on Aug. 9, 2022, and its replacement is simply called .NET. While considered to be the advanced successor to the .NET Framework, it is also a replacement for .NET Core. As such, .NET often acts as the best of both worlds, offering cross-platform capabilities while still being classified as open-source and free to use.
In this way, the future is definitely with .NET. Versus .NET Core, it's simply the more advanced product. Those who want to make the transition from the old .NET Framework to the updated .NET version will have to become accustomed to new changes, such as single-file deployment and the discontinuation of Web Forms.
Sign Up for Classes at Certstaffix Training
As we've seen, determining the differences between .NET versus .NET Core, is no easy task. Thankfully, at Cerstaffix Training, we have created several .NET courses that can help demystify the .NET Framework and its programming languages and productivity tools. Enroll in our instructor-led classes today to learn the ins and outs of .NET and obtain training that will turn you into a respected development professional.