Content Table
- Introduction
- What is .NET Core?
- What is the .NET Framework?
- .NET Core vs .NET Framework
- Trends in .NET Core and .NET Framework
- Questions for Additional Information
- Primary Takeaways
The world has shifted towards technology, with 5.3 billion global internet users. Developing a website or web application has become necessary for businesses to thrive in this competitive market. Web developers utilise various tools and technologies to deliver optimum results to their clients. Web apps are now ruling the software development market by offering multiple benefits as they carry an innovative aspect with them.
.NET Core and .NET Framework are two of the most popular web application development platforms introduced by the tech giant Microsoft. Developers heavily employ them to develop optimised and functional web applications. Are you also confused about the usage of .NET Core and .NET Framework? Yes? Then fate has brought you to the right page. We created this comprehensive guide to take you through all the essential aspects of these platforms so your team can analyse their needs and make an appropriate choice.
What is .NET Core?
.NET Core was launched in the market in 2016 by Microsoft. This is a web app development platform for building various types of apps. Considered a leader in the industry and successor to the .NET framework, the .NET Core supports applications such as cloud apps, cross-platform apps or Windows mobile apps, as shown below. By using .NET Core, one can write smooth, stable, and decent code. However, .NET Core offers an irresistible characteristic that enables you to design numerous apps such as Android, Windows, Linux, Mac, iOS and many others in a single location. Creating different types of apps on various platforms is no longer a simultaneous exercise for developers.
Here are the major aspects of .NET Core:
- Cross-platform app development
- Scalable and unique designs
- Performative codes
- Command-line interface
- Open source platform
What is .NET Framework?
In 2002, the .NET Framework came up with a dream of transforming the application development arena. Unlike .NET Core which affords cross-platform development of apps, it can only be used as a means for developing apps for Windows. One of the main advantages of NET Framework is its repository, aka a directory called Framework class library. It simplifies interoperability between different programming languages allowing developers to make the app writing process effortless and straightforward. The revolutionary .NET Framework that changed the app development world for years is a key element of Microsoft.
Another attractive feature of this platform is its Common Language Runtime which assists in memory management and security of the app. Language Interoperability allows developers to work on various programming languages by interoperating the code of one language with another.
Below are the major aspects of the .NET Framework:
- Graphical user interface with Windows Forms
- Language interoperability
- Easy code execution with CLR
- Just-in-time compilation
- Integration with other Microsoft technologies
NET Core vs .NET Framework
Though the major differences between these two app development platforms are visible to all developers, choosing one can be difficult. A good developer selects the most suitable platform based on the project requirements. The primary difference between them is the cross-platform feature of .NET Core and the language interoperability of .NET Framework. To better understand their usages, benefits, and features, we have come up with detailed information.
Cross-platform vs Windows
If you are looking for a platform that can assist in seamless web app development for different platforms like iOS, Windows, Linux, etc, then .NET Core should be your ideal choice. It allows developers to write clean code that is later modified for all other platforms. Cross-platform apps are very popular in today’s time when businesses want time-efficient software development solutions.
.NET Framework on the other hand is designed to build apps only for Windows. So, if you are looking for an impeccable Windows app development platform, this is the ultimate solution. Developers trust the .NET Framework for Windows apps because it makes coding a convenient process. Windows web apps should function well on both Windows phones and browsers, and the platform does that for you!
Versioning and Compatibility
.NET Core allows developers to install multiple versions at the same time within one machine by making use of a side-by-side approach. This provides flexibility for applications that use specific versions, helping in smooth transitions and updates. On the other hand, the .NET Framework usually uses a model of in-place upgrade. The implementation of changes to the framework affects all programs running in the system parallelly, creating an issue of compatibility. .NET Core with side-by-half versions provides more power on dependent items and, therefore, is good for exact versioning and fast upgrading that reduces confusion and hassle.
Tool usage
.NET Core was the first ever platform to bring commendable developments in the tooling area by introducing the concept of Command-line Interface (CLI), thus emphasising modularity and agility. Developers have access to robust command-line tools through the CLI that can be leveraged in project management, build processes, and package management. Therefore, adopting this leaner approach to tooling provides enhanced convenience across diverse project processes.
Whereas .NET has always been almost exclusively Visual Studio oriented during development phases but to some extent based on command line tools. .NET Core is appealing for many as it has a lean IDE because compared to Visual Studio which provides an extensive IDE, this approach makes development more agile, automated, cross platform. It uses Visual Studio Code for seamless and easy coding.
ASP.NET
The second generation of web development framework in regards to “the dot net” is ASP.NET Core and ASP.NET. AS part of .NET Core, ASP.NET Core presents a cutting-edge cross-platform and performance-enhanced framework for building contemporary Cloud-based and internet-enabled applications. By being versatile, it lets the developers develop portable applications that can be used on Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Comparatively, ASP.NET which is linked to the .NET Framework has been created mainly for web applications using Windows environments. ASP.NET has remained an old-time standard for Windows developers until this day. ASP.NET Core takes into account the growing trend towards cross-platform compatibility and speed. Moving to ASP.NET Core is part of a strategy to adopt a more modern approach that is modular, for multiple platforms, and streamlined – this is the current thinking on web apps. With respect to project-specific features such as compatibility, developers can be seen to pick between these platforms when developing their programs.
Trends in .NET Core and .NET Framework
All technologies undergo innovation and upgrade to deliver efficient results. The .NET Core and .NET Framework are also regularly updated so our coders and developers are able to function smoothly. We scoured the internet for you to find the popular and top trends in these two frameworks:
Dot Net 6: .NET 6 is the latest in the .NET lineage that merges .NET Core and .NET Framework into one platform. Firstly, it acts as a cross-platform and free software having the best attributes of the prior two variants. Dot NET 6 focuses on the improvement of performance, modularity, and adaptability, making it more practical for numerous application types. It continues on the path of a united and updated ecosystem driven by technological developments in web, cloud, and desktop programming. Developers moving from .NET core or .NET framework to .net 6 have the advantage of ease of compatibility, tools unification and a strong, multi-platform application development platform.
Xamarin: Xamarin is among the strongest cross-platform mobile development frameworks that form part of the .net ecosystem, making it possible for developers to construct native apps on Android, iOs as well as Windows using a single set of codes.
- Xamarin with .NET Core: The integration of Xamarin with .NET Core offers a contemporary and multi-platform approach to mobile application development. The two technologies combine effectively to enable developers to take advantage of the features of .NET Core like flexibility, multi-platform compatibility, and speed when developing native apps. Cross-platform sharing is simplified with Xamarin. Forms, which is part of Xamarin.
- Xamarin with .NET Framework: Previously, Xamarin had been mainly linked to the .NET. Xamarin would enable developers to develop cross-platform apps using the .NET Framework. Although this approach worked, the emphasis is now on .NET Core and the unified .NET platform, which provides a more modern and cross-platform development experience.
Azure: Using .Net Core and .Net framework in Azure Cloud, Microsoft’s cloud computing platform, one can easily develop and deploy highly scalable applications. When it comes to .NET Core, Azure has a lot to offer with regard to cross-platform applications. The developers can use the Azure App Service, Azure Functions, and Azure Kubernetes Service in hosting, scaling, and managing .NET Core applications.
.NET Core’s flexibility works quite well for Azure’s modern and cloud-native development approach. The full list of these services is available for apps that are developed using the .NET Framework. The other options for deploying Windows applications are Azure App Service and Azure Virtual Machines which provide scalability and reliability. Azure SQL Database and Azure Storage are designed to work directly with. Net Framework applications make it easy for users to have their data managed and stored on the cloud.
Questions for Additional Information
What is the cost of web application development?
The main factor that decides the development cost of a web app is the platform you choose to launch the web app on, i.e. Windows or cross-platform. Other factors like specifications, project deadlines, etc. also contribute to the overall development cost.
How can ManekTech UK help my business?
ManekTech UK has demonstrated experience in developing several software solutions, including web app development. We have a team of trained and certified experts along with creative designers who carefully study your requirements before starting the development process.
What is the future of .NET Core and .NET Framework?
Both .NET Core and framework are heavily utilised in the tech industry. It is believed that developers will continue using them as new versions come in.
Primary Takeaways
Building a promising and effective web application requires great expertise and proper resources. No matter what type of web app you need, ManekTech UK is here to serve you. We have a vast infrastructure that enables us to create world-class solutions. Our team consists of skilled and certified professionals who possess years of experience in their respective fields. Here is what makes us unique:
- Timely customer support
- Super quick software delivery
- Well-established R&D team
- Industry expertise
- Wide industry ties
We are a customer-first organisation and we aim to maintain long-term ties with our clients by delivering solutions that match their expectations. We serve you with custom software, mobile apps, website development, custom web app development, and the list goes on. Feel free to contact us to learn more about our services or discuss your project.