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.
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Read Our ASP.NET Skills and Learning Guide
What Is ASP.NET Core, and How Do I Start Learning It?
A: ASP.NET Core is an open-source framework that's used to develop Web apps. It's perfect to use if you're interested in creating cloud- or Internet-based apps. It shares many similarities with .NET Core, and the two often work well together, even allowing for the sharing of libraries. Those who want to learn ASP.NET Core should have a basic knowledge of HTML and C# and understand SQL Server, Entity Framework, and LINQ concepts. When an employee has a good grasp of these topics, a formal ASP.NET Core training course like ours can be completed in just a few days.
What Are the Differences Between ASP.NET, ASP.NET Core, .NET, and .NET Core?
A: Developers have a number of tools and frameworks from which to choose when completing their tasks. They often use popular options like ASP.NET, ASP.NET Core, .NET, and .NET Core. While they sound similar, they offer different benefits and restrictions in their use. ASP.NET, for example, is used to build Web pages and apps, while ASP.NET Core can be used across platforms and has cloud capabilities. Similarly, .NET is a traditional framework developed by Microsoft, and .NET Core is a general-purpose, cross-platform tool used to create modern apps.
More Information on the Differences Between ASP.NET, ASP.NET Core, .NET, and .NET Core
How Does ASP.NET Core Differ From ASP.NET?
A: Given that ASP.NET Core is considered to be the new and improved version of ASP.NET, the two frameworks share many similarities. When developers are deciding between the two, however, they tend to focus on their important differences. While ASP.NET was developed to work on Windows and with .NET, ASP.NET Core can work on different platforms, including macOS and Linux. Additionally, ASP.NET Core's third iteration can function with .NET Core. Generally, ASP.NET Core's modular architecture, organization, and structure give developers the ability to work quickly and with more efficiency.
What Are the Differences Between .NET and .NET Core?
A: To understand the differences between .NET and .NET Core, students must first determine which .NET is being discussed. When most software developers speak about .NET, they are referring to the traditional .NET Framework, which is a Windows-based framework that helps build desktop and Web applications. In contrast, .NET Core is free, open-source, and cross-platform. When discussing .NET, however, some developers may also be referring to the successor to both the .NET Framework and .NET Core, which combines elements of both. To truly gain an understanding of the complexity of these developer tools, students should sign up for high-quality training classes.
More Information on the Differences Between .NET and .NET Core
Is ASP.NET easy to learn?
A: ASP.NET is a powerful tool for building dynamic web applications. It is easy to learn and use, making it a popular choice for web developers of all levels of experience. Whether you're just getting started with web development or you're a seasoned pro, ASP.NET can help you create the websites and applications you need.
To learn ASP.NET, you can attend an online ASP.NET course or book a group onsite training class offered by Certstaffix Training. Our instructors are experienced professionals who will teach you everything you need to know to get up and running with ASP.NET quickly and easily.
Is ASP.NET difficult to learn?
A: ASP.NET is a popular web development framework created by Microsoft. It allows developers to create dynamic websites and web applications using the .NET framework. ASP.NET is not difficult to learn, but it does require some experience with programming languages such as C# or VB.NET. If you are new to web development, you may find it helpful to take an introductory course in ASP.NET before diving into more advanced topics. Certstaffix Training offers both online and group onsite ASP.NET courses for companies that can help you get started with ASP.NET development.
Is ASP.NET good for beginners?
A: ASP.NET is a great choice for beginners looking to get started in web development. It offers a simple, yet powerful approach to building dynamic websites. Additionally, the ASP.NET community is very active and supportive, so you can always find help when you need it.
What are the top ASP.NET skills?
A: When it comes to developing web applications, ASP.NET is one of the most popular frameworks available. It provides developers with a robust set of tools and features that make web development quicker and easier.
If you're looking to improve your ASP.NET skills, here are some of the top things you should focus on:
Top ASP.NET Skills
1. Mastering the ASP.NET Core Framework - ASP.NET Core is the latest version of Microsoft's ASP.NET framework. It's a cross-platform, open-source framework that can be used on Windows, Linux, and macOS. It's also much lighter and faster than previous versions of ASP.NET, making it ideal for modern web applications.
2. Learning MVC - MVC is a popular architecture for building web applications. ASP.NET MVC allows you to build well-structured, testable, and maintainable web applications. If you want to improve your ASP.NET skills, learning MVC is a great place to start.
3. Understanding Web API - ASP.NET Web API is a framework that makes it easy to build HTTP services that can be consumed by a wide range of clients, including browsers and mobile devices. If you're looking to build modern web applications, understanding Web API is essential.
4. Getting Started with SignalR - SignalR is a real-time communication framework that can be used to add features like chat and notifications to web applications. If you're interested in building interactive web applications, learning SignalR is a great way to improve your ASP.NET skills.
5. Mastering Entity Framework - Entity Framework is a popular data access framework for ASP.NET applications. It makes it easy to work with data in relational databases, and it's an essential skill for any ASP.NET developer.
If you're looking to improve your ASP.NET skills, these are some of the top things you should focus on. By mastering the ASP.NET Core framework, learning MVC, understanding Web API, and getting started with SignalR, you'll be well on your way to becoming a more proficient ASP.NET developer.
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