.NET Core vs. .NET Framework: A Comprehensive Comparison

Microsoft offers two frameworks under the .NET umbrella, including .NET Core and .NET Framework. While the .NET Framework is the traditional and ageing version, .NET Core has stepped in to fix its shortcomings, bringing it in line with technological improvements. However, this does not imply that the .NET Framework is losing popularity.

According to the StackOverflow 2021 developer survey, .NET and .NET Core are still the most widely utilised software development frameworks, making them a secure pick for any commercial application project. The debate over which framework to use remains a heated hot topic among developers.

The question in the .NET framework vs. .NET Core comparison is: which is best for your project? Continue reading to learn more.

What Is .NET Standard?

Because of the technical nature of the word, many people Google ".NET Core vs. .NET Framework vs. .NET Standard" mistaking .NET Standard for other framework. .NET Standard, on the other hand, is a library that, when required, may be utilised across all .NET implementations.

.NET is a specification of the APIs shared by all .NET implementations, each of which allows .NET code to be implemented in a different place—mobile (iOS or Android), desktop (Linux, macOS, Windows), web, IoT or anyplace else .NET code is used. Higher levels of the .NET Standard contain more APIs but can only be used on newer versions of .NET; lower levels have fewer APIs but can be used in more places. For more clarity, contact a reputed .NET development company.

Key Differences Between .Net Core and .Net Framework

1. Compatibility

In terms of .NET website development services for organisations, deploying .NET Core that supports commonly used platforms other than Windows may be appropriate. The performance of .NET Core is extremely outstanding and an added benefit is that it is open-source, making it the most popular framework in the application development arena.

The .NET Framework, on the other hand, enables a limited approach that permits only the Windows operating system to execute websites, apps and web services. Within the cross-platform framework arena, the .NET Framework is only advised when an organisation intends to use the framework for an extended period of time.

2. Performance

The most recent version of .NET Core exhibits excellent scalability and performance. Microsoft recommends ASP.NET Core as the best alternative for high-performance system demands, particularly if microservices are involved. .NET Core vs. .NET Framework performance has been examined in multiple independent tests, with one test proving 7 to 13 times quicker.

The .NET Core includes a recompilation tool that allows developers & firms providing .NET development services to optimise built code without making changes, making it easier for developers to test and deploy code. The most recent versions of .NET Core (6 and the impending 7) put a strong emphasis on performance.

3. Security

The .NET Framework employs the Windows security paradigm and Code Access Security, which is kept up to date with the newest security updates by Microsoft.

Although .NET Core lacks Code Access Security, it employs a more flexible and current security approach, making it a more secure solution.

4. Source

Another element to consider while deciding between .Net Framework and .NET Core is whether or not they are open-source.

.NET Core is open-source, whereas .NET Framework is commercial and distributed under the Microsoft Reference Source Licence, despite the fact that it contains some open-source components.

5. Focus on Devices

In today's increasingly advanced digitised tech-friendly world, regardless of an application's business domain, it becomes critical to design an app that can reach diverse markets and end-users while being wrapped in the latest technology. And .NET Core seeks to achieve this goal - to develop apps in a variety of sectors like gaming, mobile, IoT and AI - by providing continual upgrades to respond to growth opportunities.

.NET 6 (the most recent version) features an integrated platform for developing cloud, IoT and mobile applications. Microsoft has just released ML.NET 1.4, a Machine Learning framework for developing data science-focused web and desktop products. The .NET ecosystem can also include the Blazor framework, which aids in the development of single-page applications (SPAs) using .NET. Contact a firm providing .NET development services to know more on this.

6. Mobile Development

One of the most important characteristics of .NET Core is its flexible deployment approach. This implies that anytime the latest version of .NET Core is released, it can be instantaneously updated on one computer at a time, uploading to new directories without affecting current apps. Furthermore, utilising the new app bundling tools, .NET Core may be deployed for apps that require more isolation.

In terms of the .NET Framework, the web application can only be deployed on the Internet Information Server. The advantage of .NET Core over .NET Framework is that it may be hosted in more than one way, making it more flexible.

Which Is Better: .Net Core or .Net Framework?

The following summary will assist in determining when each framework is best.

The .NET Framework is a better option if you need to:

• Don't have time to learn new technology because you already know it or have staff with .NET Framework knowledge.
• Prefer a steady environment over frequent upgrades and adjustments.
• Have closer release dates.
• Have an existing .NET Framework app that needs to be enhanced? (vs. migrating it).
• Create Windows client applications with Windows Forms or WPF.

.NET Core is a better option if you need to:

• Want to target your apps across more OS systems ("build once, run anywhere" cross-platform functionality)
• High performance and/or scalability are required.
• Are still learning .NET.
• Prefer open-source software.
• Docker containers and/or microservices are being used.
• Side-by-side installation must be supported.

A well recognised .NET development company will be able to assist you further on this.