Programmers, knowing the differences between .NET and .NET Core, must make the correct decision in choosing a convenient framework for work. They are related applications from Microsoft, in the sense that both have been developed by this company, but as for architectural structure, compatibility with different platforms, and their utilization, these two are distinct. In this article, various differences that exist between AV modeling and other modeling methodologies will be discussed, and an attempt will be made to identify what kind of AV modeling framework to adopt depending on the project needs.

What is .NET?

The .NET Framework is a mature, Microsoft-oriented software platform of the late 90s-21st century. It has been used vastly in the creation of Windows desktop applications, enterprise-level systems, and web applications.

Key Features:

• Windows-only support.
• Burge Libraries for GUI-based applications.
• Special note has to be made of outstanding support for applications of enterprise scale.

Use Case: That’s what makes .NET suitable for applications that should be interconnected with Windows-related technologies such as WPF or ASP.NET, for instance.

I have a related article about Windows-Centric Development that can be found here at .NET as a Platform-Independent Framework.

What is .NET Core?

On the other hand, .NET Core is a fresh, cross-platform, open-source framework. Intended to overcome the shortcomings of .NET, it is designed to support applications executing on Windows, macOS, and Linux OS.

Key Features:

• Cross-platform capabilities.
• Portable and collapsible structures.
• The two products must emphasize performance and scalability.
• Free for use and implementation under the MIT license.

Use Case: This makes .NET Core ideal for cloud, microservices, and high-performance web applications. Most developers apply it to create solutions that are both flexible and appropriable across different platforms.

Main Differences between .NET and .NET Core

1. Platform Compatibility

• .NET Framework: Windows-based-only software programs can be created using this tool.
• .NET Core: Has cross-support, compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux.

2. Performance

It has been established that .NET Core is much faster than the conventional .NET Framework; this is because .NET Core architecture is more optimized. This makes it ideal for large-scale applications where the speed of results is a very important factor.

3. Deployment Model

Like Windows applications, .NET applications make use of a system-wide runtime and class libraries.

.NET Core, on the other hand, allows self-deployment, which builds the runtime and the libraries with the actual app, thereby making it function similarly across systems.

4. It seems to provide support for the modern development:

Some of the characteristic features of .NET Core are support for the Docker container and the REST API, so .NET Core is perfect for creating microservices.

Evolution of the Frameworks

After .NET 5 and then .NET 6, there was an integration that incorporated .NET Framework and .NET Core into one framework. This unified approach retains the best of both frameworks, offering:

• Simplified development.
• Better compatibility between systems.
• Lack of long-term commitment to the developers.

Learn more about these in articles such as .NET Core vs ASP.NET Core.

Use Cases: When to Choose Which?

Use .NET If:

• The problem is that your application is strictly Windows-based.
• You need backward compatibility if you’re working with older generations of technology.
• You are creating GUI applications for a Windows desktop using WPF or WinForms.

Use .NET Core If:

• You’re entering into cross-platform application development.
• You require containable solutions that are also easily scalable and built to run in the cloud.
• Reinforcement of performance is the cornerstone of the system.

Advantages of .NET Core Over .NET Framework

Cross-Platform Development

It should be noted that .NET Core has cut the ties away from Windows and introduced Mac and Linux as target platforms.

Cloud-Native Architecture

Another critical feature is the ability to scale horizontally with internet-like simplicity, the lightweight design, and the dependency on data structures; all of these ideas make it ideal for cloud-native applications, containerization, and microservices.

Open-Source Ecosystem

It contributes to Microsoft .NET Core by receiving contributions from real developers who work on it and continue to improve it.

Future of .NET Development

It is all centered around the .NET economy, with the support and management of updates for .NET 7 and further versions. This tendency concerns the development of multiple platforms, modern APIs, and further simplification of the project.

Conclusion

It is also necessary to differentiate between .NET and .NET Core in order to make correct decisions in the sphere of software creation. As for today, .NET Framework is a mature platform to develop legacy applications and Windows-based projects; on the other hand, .NET Core discloses possibilities of contemporary cross-platform approaches. Porting your application to .NET Core can bring benefits to ensure that its applications follow modern technology trends and development.

This article will be beneficial to developers who want to make the right decision on .NET based on the resources and knowledge about current trends in the development field.