.NET Framework vs .NET Core

Struggling to choose between .NET Framework and .NET Core? Both products offer unique advantages, making it a tough decision.

.NET Framework is a Development solution with tags like net, microsoft, windows, oop, framework.

It boasts features such as Common Language Runtime (CLR) - provides memory management, exception handling, garbage collection, security, Base Class Library (BCL) - provides standard libraries for strings, files, networking, etc, Language Interoperability - allows code written in different .NET languages to work together, Cross-Platform Support - can run on Windows, Linux, macOS via .NET Core and pros including Object-oriented programming model, Automatic memory management and garbage collection, Extensive code libraries and APIs, Language interoperability, Cross-platform support.

On the other hand, .NET Core is a Development product tagged with c, aspnet, crossplatform, open-source.

Its standout features include Cross-platform - runs on Windows, Linux and macOS, Open source and community-focused, Backwards compatibility with .NET Framework, Built-in dependency injection, Lightweight and high performance, Flexible deployment options, and it shines with pros like Cross-platform support, Open source, High performance, Lightweight and modular architecture, Active community and ecosystem.

To help you make an informed decision, we've compiled a comprehensive comparison of these two products, delving into their features, pros, cons, pricing, and more. Get ready to explore the nuances that set them apart and determine which one is the perfect fit for your requirements.

.NET Framework

.NET Framework

The .NET Framework is a software framework developed by Microsoft that runs primarily on Microsoft Windows. It includes a large class library called Framework Class Library and provides language interoperability across several programming languages.

Categories:
net microsoft windows oop framework

.NET Framework Features

  1. Common Language Runtime (CLR) - provides memory management, exception handling, garbage collection, security
  2. Base Class Library (BCL) - provides standard libraries for strings, files, networking, etc
  3. Language Interoperability - allows code written in different .NET languages to work together
  4. Cross-Platform Support - can run on Windows, Linux, macOS via .NET Core

Pricing

  • Free
  • Open Source

Pros

Object-oriented programming model

Automatic memory management and garbage collection

Extensive code libraries and APIs

Language interoperability

Cross-platform support

Cons

Complexity can make debugging difficult

Applications may have large memory footprint

Tied to Windows for full framework (not .NET Core)


.NET Core

.NET Core

.NET Core is an open-source, cross-platform framework for building modern, cloud-enabled apps using C#, F#, and ASP.NET. It allows developers to create web apps, services, libraries and console apps that run on Windows, Linux and macOS.

Categories:
c aspnet crossplatform open-source

.NET Core Features

  1. Cross-platform - runs on Windows, Linux and macOS
  2. Open source and community-focused
  3. Backwards compatibility with .NET Framework
  4. Built-in dependency injection
  5. Lightweight and high performance
  6. Flexible deployment options

Pricing

  • Open Source
  • Free

Pros

Cross-platform support

Open source

High performance

Lightweight and modular architecture

Active community and ecosystem

Cons

Less mature than .NET Framework

Limited Windows-only API support

Steeper learning curve than .NET Framework