.NET Framework Vs .NET Core: An Ultimate Comparison Guide

Disclaimer: Since .NET Framework is .NET’s Windows-only version for creating apps, it is recommended to use .NET 6 or later versions for product development. These latest versions are cross-platform, high-performance, and support more application types. Use .NET Framework only when the application you’re developing or using requires it. Know more.

1. Introduction

It wouldn’t be incorrect to say that even the slightest change can bring major differences. Here we are talking about the .NET framework and .NET core. As a leading .net development company we thought it’s a good time to talk about the major difference between these two technologies. Both these technologies are commonly connected by word .NET and separated by core and framework. The functioning of the application differs based on what you choose – a framework or use .NET core for your business app. 

You must have assumed from the title, we are talking about the .NET Core and .NET framework. These two are often considered the same but when it comes to its implication, these technology frameworks are different from each other. The only reason they are used together is that they both belong to the same .NET family developed by Microsoft. .NET as a platform can help you build various types of web and desktop applications using C# and other compatible languages. 

2. Let us Explore More About .NET

The .NET ecosystem developed and designed by Microsoft in 2002 is a solid singleton platform used for developing applications using the programming languages supported by  .NET. There are more than 50+ languages that are used by .NET that also includes programming languages like C#, and F#, and Visual Basic and several other languages. The framework offered a common API set, language independence, compatibility, usage of different operating systems and other non-.NET applications, portability and a slew of other intriguing features.

In .NET system is majorly divided into three -levels of components- The .NET framework, the .NET core and Xamarin. Yes, you read it right, Xamarin is also an inseparable part of the .NET library. As we can see in the image, there are three main sections. Initially, we will start off with the .NET framework.

In .NET framework-  You are free to construct all types of windows desktop applications as the .NET framework supports windows. You can also utilize Windows Forms, UWP, and WPF as an inclusion in the .NET framework.  ASP.NET MVC is also a sub- part of this which plays a major role in the creation of Web applications.

The one is .NET core- Many of you might know that .NET Core is a new open-source, cross-platform framework that is used to create apps for various operating systems. These apps are compatible across Mac, Linux, and Windows platforms. As we can see in the image, .NET Core supports UWP and only ASP.NET Core and UWP are supported by NET Core. UWP is used to create Windows 10 target Windows and mobile applications. Meanwhile, ASP.NET Core is used to create browser-based web apps.

The third section is for Xamarin- Xamarin is used to create mobile apps for Android, iOS, Windows Mobile or and Windows phone devices) using C#. Xamarin is developed in C# and is included in all Visual Studio versions.  Xamarin works well for mobile apps and is the sole alternative.

2.1 .NET Framework

One of the most important reasons why you must know about the .NET framework is because there is so much that .NET as a framework can offer. Hence, knowing that, there are possibly many other benefits that can be leveraged. As we know, Microsoft introduced the .NET framework as a powerful software framework that comprises a runtime environment for developing Windows programmes and web services. You can use .NET to develop all types of .web apps that are compatible across any device and operating systems. It also has a huge class library which is popularly known as the .NET framework class Library. It consists of all the types of class, interface, and value to enable access to system functions.

The .NET Framework supports a runtime software environment known as Common Language Runtime (CLR). Now CLR is an application virtual machine that simplifies development and allows you to develop codes compatible across varied platforms. The utilization of CLR can help you in memory management, security, and exception handling several other functions too. The primary functions of .NET are to offer assemblies, application runtime host, meta data, self- describing components, cross-language interoperability and in addition to all this .NET framework class library and framework security. 

2.2 .NET Core

From the .NET family, if we talk about NET Core then, .NET Core is a free to use,  open- source, all-inclusive programming platform that can be used to create modern cloud-based software applications for Windows, Linux, and macOS. It runs on several platforms and has been updated to make .NET quick, scalable, and contemporary. Dot NET Core is one of Microsoft’s major contributions, and it is also licensed under the MIT License. Some of the most salient features of .NET core includes

• .NET core is an Cross-Platform and Open Source framework
• .NET Core offers high performance, scalability and can work well in various environments. It is High Performing ance and can work well in various environments
• It is suitable across multiple development modes too.
• .NET provides Cross-Platform support. Hence, .NET Core apps are supported on multiple platforms.

3. .NET Framework Vs .NET Core

.NET framework and .NET core both are ways of implementing .NET within businesses. The very thin line difference that anyone could identify is that the .NET framework specifically works for web and desktop-based applications along with windows forms and WPF applications while .NET Core is designed for  windows store applications and web development. This can help you identify the difference and understand what works in the favor of your business. In order to highlight bigger changes, one must know essential differentiating factors that would make the concept clear.

In the next segment, we will be discussing six parameters .net core vs .net framework.

3.1 Cross-Platform Compatibility and Open Source

.NET framework- Application development using the .NET Framework is restricted to only one platform, namely Windows. This framework’s language compilers ensure that if the application is written in one language then it may be simply compiled in another. However, the .NET Framework is a licensed software framework released by Microsoft with multiple open source components.

.NET Core- Finally, in 2014, Microsoft decided to begin work towards the evolution of .NET. In 2016, they introduced .NET Core, which was developed primarily to develop applications which can be supported on various operating systems such as Windows, MAC OS and LINUX.

With the proven results of being an open-source platform, .NET core allows you (companies and individuals) to build apps using it without paying any licensing costs. The interoperability and compatibility of .NET core distinguish it from others.

3.2 Deployment Model

.NET Framework-

The .NET Framework is a single package that contains everything a developer could need to create a Windows OS based application. This one takes a limited approach which means it just allows the Windows operating system to execute codes for websites, web applications, and web services. Web applications developed using ..NET  framework can solely be deployed on Internet Information Server which is compatible with Windows OS.

.NET Core- 

So on the other side, the .NET core is fully composed of modules. The package of the .NET core simply contains the fundamental development components. Following that, the developer may select only the modules required by their selected platform. If we simplify this, we can say it includes lighter versions of the essential development components, and that’s it. As a result, a developer has the option of adding modules. However, browser based web applications built with ASP.NET Core may be hosted in a variety of ways. The ASP.NET Core apps may be deployed directly in the cloud or self-hosted by the developers by developing their own hosting procedure.

3.3 App performance, Scalability and Reliability 

If we are strictly adhering to the features of both-.NET core and .NET framework then when it comes to performance and scalability let us see which one of the two has an upper hand?

.NET Framework-

.NET Framework was introduced in the early years of the 20th century with C# language that can be used to write code that is similar to C++. The .NET framework lags a little in performance compared to .NET Core as .NET Framework was more focused on Windows-based computers and servers which were prevalent at that time. When an application is started for the first time, the .NET Framework converts the CIL code into executable code using its just-in-time compiler and stores the executable program in the .NET Native Image Cache. Developers may use the Native Image Generator utility to manually build and cache any .NET program to speed up the first launch. 

.NET Core-

As .NET Core was released more recently, Microsoft has tried to address the majority of the drawbacks OR the concern areas where the .NET framework was lagging in performance. New framework is enriched with features and advancements that made the platform fast and smooth. .NET Core has elevated performance than the traditional version, specifically for Cloud based application and cloud environments, which are one of the crucial elements of the application development and hosting nowadays. Alas, “All that glitter is not gold” and minor performance regressions and start-up performance issues have been reported by several organizations with .NET Core 3.1 compared to .NET Framework 4.8, but those are being continuously addressed by Microsoft. .NET Core reported more CPU usage time, however very good improvement in rendering time is noticed with .NET Core based applications.

3.4 .NET Standard Library

Since both .NET Core and .NET framework come from the same .NET ecosystem, mostly all the libraries and functions are the same. Both .NET Framework and .NET Core assists the developers by providing a robust set of powerful libraries for the app development which they can use as required. However, .NET Core supports the CoreCLR, which was redesigned by Microsoft to address the needs of the future developers. It also supports the broad features of CoreFX in the modular collection of the library. As a result, developers may select and utilize just the libraries required by them within each application, therefore improving application speed by getting rid of redundant libraries within the project. Below is a chart with each .NET Standard version that shows the specific areas they run on:

3.5 Packaging and Shipping

.NET Framework

The packages for each one can be different. The .NET Framework must be installed as a single package as well as used for a Windows runtime environment. NuGet packages are generally not available for .NET core, it is only available for the .NET framework. You need to make modifications if you wish to use it. 

.NET Core

If we talk about .NET Core on the contrary, it is cross-platform, packaged and deployed independently but based on the chosen operating system. NuGet packages that can be included in .NET Core must be compiled by the developers. They may also assemble Nuget packages straight into the program or they can also save them in a different subdirectory within the application. It does not provide all .NET framework technologies, you either need to port it or wait for official upgrades.

3.7 CLI Tools

.NET Framework

The .Net framework is quite heavy for Command Line Interface and this is the main reason why developers choose working with CLI rather than IDE. This framework contains CLI tools compiled into Common Intermediate Language code instead of directly compiled into machine code.

.NET Core

If we compare the .Net core with the .Net framework, the .Net core is more adequate as it is a very lightweight Command Line Interface for all the platforms. This tool comes with an option to switch to an ISE such as Visual Studio.

3.8 Security

.NET Framework

If you tend to work with the .net framework, then you’ll have a great code access security feature which is kept up to date by Microsoft with the latest security patches.

.NET Core

If you tend to work with .Net Core, you might see that Code Access Security features are missing but make sure that it does use a modern security model.

4. Advantages of .Net framework and .Net Core

4.1 Advantages of .Net framework

You’ll get multiple benefits while working with the .Net framework but all those advantages are manifold. This framework works well on object-oriented programming to eradicate unwanted code. It also allows you to reuse code and components which saves a lot of time and development cost. .Net framework comes up with a caching system that you can customize for temporarily storing the information.

Added flexibility

You’ll be surprised to know that the .Net framework uses software architecture having multiple tiers that isolate all the application functions and present the data. Developers can easily create flexible applications from scratch and edit layers without investing extra effort in the entire application.

Apart from this, Visual Studio IDE is considered one of the most popular and widely used platforms by the development community as it allows developers to develop and publish applications across platforms like iOS and Android. 

Easy to get started with

As we mentioned before, the .NET Framework is entirely based on OOP that breaks down software into smaller and more manageable components. OOP organizes data into fields and states classes to define object behaviors. In this situation, software engineers can efficiently respond to frequent issues and facilitate the testing process with the necessary programming.

4.2 Advantages of .Net Core

Imagine that you’re planning to build a new application and you have to choose between .Net Core and .Net framework. Here you must choose a platform depending on your end-users, development team, and market. .Net Core is a great platform for an open-source project that helps developers to simplify the development process and allows you to focus on reinventing technology.

Enhanced security

One of the main reasons why developers prefer using .NET Core instead of the .Net framework is its security. It offers high-end security that individuals and enterprises can use to stay away from unexpected risks. Due to the rise in cybercrime that includes virus attacks and breach attempts, the requirement of security measures has become a necessity for software companies. Also, exposing software over the web is risky. Here is where .Net comes into the picture. 

Compatibility

.NetCore is compatible to run on various operating systems such as Windows, macOS, and Linux. It works with third-party editors and supports a microservices architecture that enables cross-platform solutions and improves the chances of your project’s success.

5. What Should You Choose To Develop The Best Solutions?

So, now that you know the strengths and weaknesses of each of these, it is now time to know which one is best suited for your business. Here are some of the major parameters you must consider while choosing between the .NET Framework and .NET Core today. 

5.1 When Will the .NET Framework Work Best For You?

This can change with time but as of now, these points will help you select the right one for you. Starting with when to use the .NET Framework, so if your business wants to achieve the following aspects then, .NET Framework is a superior option:

• In case you have quickly decided on technology and there isn’t enough time to study new technology. Go ahead and use the .NET framework to develop .NET apps.
• If you are working in a concrete and stable environment, the .NET framework applications can benefit largely.
• If you have more frequent releases and deliveries
• If there is a team with .NET framework development experience then use it for quicker releases and results.
• When there are fewer updates about version changes and you do not want to cope with constant upgrades and modifications, the .NET framework can be favorable.
• When you want to develop Windows-based client apps with the integration of Windows Forms or WPF.

5.2 When Will .NET Core Work Best For You?

The capability of .NET Core is already showcased previously in the above segment, hence here you must know when is .NET core best for you. Ideally, it’s best-suited for almost all times but specifically when 

• Your business wants to target and develop apps and software for Windows, Linux, and Mac operating systems. Visual Studio Code can be used on all of the above listed OS. The command line tools can be used on all supported platforms. .NET Core is a superior alternative.
• Now since you haven’t been afraid of breaking and maintaining apps, NET Core is perfect to assist you in all its stages.
• If you want high performance and scalable systems.
• If you want to execute multiple .NET versions side-by-side on the same server.
• If you want control over the command-line interface (CLI) then use .NET Core.
• If you want something for free to learn, use .NET core as we know it’s an open-source platform that includes the universal windows platform.

6. Conclusion

The latest version of the .NET family is .NET 5 which is the future and is confident to offer many flexible and compatible development facilities. Though this version is in preview, there can be more advancements to this ecosystem which will not only simplify the development but also enhance it in every possible way. Meanwhile, we hope that we did a fair job in making you understand why it is important to bring clarity between these two frameworks accessible –.NET Framework and.NET Core. By now, you will definitely be able to select the optimal framework for your project. The ball is in your court, make the best use of it.

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