A Comprehensive Guide to .NET Core Vs .NET Framework
.NET Core Vs .NET Framework — these two are essentially different versions of the same software framework that helps developers build applications using Microsoft’s C# and Visual Basic programming languages, among others.
They both have their own advantages and disadvantages, making it difficult to decide which one to use. Are you also baffled about choosing the best one? Don’t worry!!
This guide will help you understand the main differences between .NET Framework and .NET Core in the hopes that you can better decide which one is best suited to your needs.
What is .NET Core?
Image Source: nopCommerce
.NET Core is a general-purpose development platform sustained by Microsoft and the .NET community on GitHub. It’s an open-source, cross-platform, and modular stack that can be used to build console apps, web apps, mobile apps, IoT apps, and much more.
You can even employ it on non-Windows platforms such as macOS and Linux. This may seem similar to what other universal frameworks like NodeJS offer, but keep in mind that they all have their differences with regards to available languages/platforms as well as deployment methods.
Pros of using .NET Core
- It’s an open-source platform that can be used on a wide variety of operating systems.
- The modular nature of .NET Core allows you to only include the components/libraries that need for your application, making it much lighter in terms of footprint.
- Deploying .NET Core apps is much easier compared to .NET Framework apps.
- It supports side-by-side versioning, which means you can have multiple versions of .NET Core on the same machine without any conflicts.
Cons of using .NET Core
- The lack of support for some older libraries/frameworks might be a deal-breaker for some developers.
- The learning curve might be a bit steeper compared to .NET Framework since it’s a relatively new platform.
If you are facing any sort of issue while using the .NET Core, avail ASP .NET Development Services from the best ASP NET development company India. By doing so, you will be able to make efficient use of .NET Core in web app development without encountering any sort of issues.
What is .NET Framework?
Image Source: MakeTechEasier
The Microsoft .NET Framework is a software framework devised by Microsoft that runs primarily on Microsoft Windows.
It includes a large class library named Framework Class Library (FCL), provides language interoperability (each language can use code written in other languages and even native applications), and supports several different programming models, such as imperative, object-oriented (including component-oriented), and functional.
FCL implements numerous APIs contained in WindowsBase, PresentationCore, WindowsFormsIntegration, EnterpriseServices, etc.
The .NET framework provides an execution environment for applications based on the Common Language Runtime (CLR), which manages memory and thread use; it acts as a Just-in-time compiler that converts intermediate code into machine code at runtime before executing it.
Pros of using .NET Framework
- It has been around for a much longer time compared to .NET Core, meaning that there’s a much larger community and support available.
- The CLR provides a very rich execution environment for your applications.
- It supports both legacies as well as newer programming models and languages.
Cons of using .NET Framework
- It can only be used on Windows.
- The installation process is much more complicated compared to .NET Core.
- Certain components of the .NET Framework can be difficult to remove/update.
.NET Core vs .NET Framework : How are they different?
.NET Framework and .NET Core share a lot of similarities, but there are also some key differences that you should be aware of:
- .NET Core is open-source while .NET Framework is not.
- .NET Core can be used on multiple platforms, while .NET Framework is limited to Windows.
- .NET Core is much lighter and faster compared to .NET Framework.
- .NET Core has a steep learning curve while .NET Framework is more familiar to most developers.
- .NET Framework has better support for legacy libraries/frameworks while .NET Core does not
.NET Framework vs .NET Core: Similarities Between Both
Here are some of the key similarities between .NET Framework and .NET Core:
- Both include a large class library of reusable types (FCL for .NET Framework and NET Standard Library for .NET
- .NET Framework and .NET Core are Windows-based operating systems
- .NET Core and .NET Framework both use CLR (Common Language Runtime) and DLR (Dynamic Runtime)
- Once we are using both, they will take care of multiple tasks of software development, including managing memory allocation, Monitor hardware via component model Allocate and release resources like windows/forms, DB connections etc.
- .NET Core and Framework can be used on Linux or Mac as well.
- Both run the same binary files or DLLs even though there is a difference in their initial purposes.
Comparison Between Both .NET Core vs .NET Framework
Here I have stated the few factors that will help you to understand which one .NET Core or .NET Framework is best for your project. Moreover, if you are worried about using .NET Core and .NET Framework in web app development, then hire ASP.NET developer India he/she will help you make comprehensive use of both technology features and functionality depending on your project requirement.
Performance
.NET Core is faster than .NET Framework. The major reason for this difference in performance is that .NET Core uses the RyuJIT compiler while .NET Framework uses the older JIT (Just-in-Time) compiler.
RyuJIT compiles the entire application into native code at once, which makes it much faster than JIT, which compiles the code on-demand as it’s needed.
Support
.NET Framework has been around for a much longer time than .NET Core and, as such, has better support from both Microsoft and the community. If you’re thinking of starting a new project, you should probably go with .NET Core since it is the future of .NET development.
However, if you have an existing project on .NET Framework, there’s no need to worry as it will continue to be subsidized by Microsoft for many years to come.
Language Support
Both .NET Core and .NET Framework support multiple languages, including C#, F#, and VB.NET. However, .NET Core has better support for newer languages such as C++/CLI and F#, while .NET Framework is limited to the older versions of these languages.
In terms of language support, it really depends on which languages you’re looking to use. If you’re planning on using newer languages, then .NET Core is the way to go. Otherwise, you’re probably better off with .NET Framework.
Installation
.NET Core has a much simpler installation process than .NET Framework. With .NET Framework, you need to install multiple components and dependencies, which can be a pain.
.NET Core can be installed using a single MSI (Microsoft Installer) file, which makes it much easier to get up and running.
If you’re starting a new project, I would recommend going with .NET Core since it is much easier to install and get started with.
Portability
.NET Framework is limited to Windows, while .NET Core can be used on multiple platforms, including Windows, Linux, and macOS. This makes .NET Core much more portable than .NET Framework.
If you’re looking to develop for multiple platforms, then .NET Core is the way to go. Otherwise, you’re probably better off with .NET Framework.
Application Models
.NET Core and .NET Framework both support multiple application models, including console, desktop, web, and mobile. However, .NET Core has better support for web applications while .NET Framework is better suited for desktop applications.
In terms of application models, it really depends on what type of application you’re looking to develop. If you’re planning on developing a web application, then .NET Core is the way to go. Otherwise, you’re probably better off with .NET Framework.
Security
.NET Framework uses the Windows security model while .NET Core uses a more flexible and extensible security model. This makes .NET Core more secure than .NET Framework.
If security is a matter for you, then .NET Core is the way to go. Otherwise, you can probably get by with .NET Framework.
Mobile Development
.NET Framework does not support mobile development while .NET Core does. This makes .NET Core the better choice if you’re looking to develop mobile applications.
Moreover, .NET Core supports multiple mobile development platforms, including Android, iOS, and Windows Phone.
Conclusion
.NET Core is the better choice for most applications, but .NET Framework still has its place in the world of .NET development. It really depends on your specific needs as to which one you should choose. Hopefully, this article has helped you understand the difference between these two frameworks and make a decision about which one is right for you.
If still, you have any confusion about choosing the best and most suitable one for your project, hire ASP.NET developer India from the reliable ASP NET development company India.
