---
title: "ASP.NET or ASP.NET Core? Which One to Choose?"  
description: "What is the difference between ASP.NET and ASP.NET Core, and what should I choose to build my next Web application?  On reading this article you will"  
author: "Jayden Bell"  
published: 2017-06-15  
updated: 2018-03-20  
canonical: https://www.mindstick.com/blog/11460/asp-dot-net-or-asp-dot-net-core-which-one-to-choose  
category: "asp.net"  
tags: ["asp.net", "core framework"]  
reading_time: 3 minutes  

---

# ASP.NET or ASP.NET Core? Which One to Choose?

I just got a [question](https://www.mindstick.com/blog/23175/how-to-solve-neet-question-paper-in-less-time) to answer in a [forum](https://www.mindstick.com/developersection/forum) Post– What is the [difference](https://www.mindstick.com/articles/157114/good-news-or-bad-news-and-the-difference-is) between ASP.NET and [ASP.NET Core](https://www.mindstick.com/articles/12946/get-started-with-asp-dot-net-core-mvc-and-visual-studio), and what should I choose to build my next [Web application](https://www.mindstick.com/articles/13069/progressive-web-application-pwas-all-you-need-to-know-about)?\

Another question, I saw was: Should I choose **ASP.NET Core over ASP.NET** in my next project?

On [reading](https://www.mindstick.com/articles/126273/books-commonly-found-on-college-reading-lists) this [article](https://www.mindstick.com/articles/95867/are-you-looking-for-500-credit-score-mortgage-lenders-houston-continue-reading-this-article) you will be able to know some of the [pros and cons](https://www.mindstick.com/blog/11048/pros-and-cons-of-hadoop-system) that might get you closer in deciding between ASP.NET and ASP.NET Core.

**.NET [Architecture](https://www.mindstick.com/articles/249193/top-5-reasons-to-pursue-architecture)**

Let’s review the following .NET Architecture diagram.

![ASP.NET or ASP.NET Core? Which One to Choose?](https://www.mindstick.com/blogs/bb5366bb-80d3-42d2-8414-4092d92a9c6d/images/3ad4a9c7-ede5-44c7-8fe5-430be28a4bd2.png)\

As you can see from the above diagram, the **.NET ecosystem** has three major high-level components: .NET Framework, .NET Core, and Xamarin.

The .NET Framework is used to develop Windows applications using WPF and Windows Forms and Web applications, using ASP.NET MVC.

.NET Core supports **UWP** and ASP.NET Core libraries. Windows 10 targeted apps are build using UWP and ASP.NET Core is used to build Web apps for Windows, Linux, and Mac operating systems.

**Choosing between ASP.NET MVC and ASP.NET Core**

ASP.NET Core is one of the key components of .NET Core to build Web applications, using ASP.NET.

In an article Should I Use ASP.NET Core or MVC 5, Jeff Fritz from Microsoft writes:

“Both frameworks will still be supported in at least 4 years. Both frameworks have an MVC approach to coding and both use a very similar Razor templating language.”

**The following table is a list of key takeaways from Jeff’s article:**

| **Feature** | **ASP.NET MVC or ASP.NET Core** |
| --- | --- |
| Stable framework | ASP.NET MVC |
| Raw performance | ASP.NET Core |
| Tested and proven for a decade | ASP.NET MVC |
| Leading edge, continuous learning, and upgrades | ASP.NET Core |
| Target multiple operating systems | ASP.NET Core |
| Windows container model support | Both |
| Share components across various platforms – Web server, Mac, iOS, Android, XBox, Windows Mobile, Windows desktop, Unity | .NET Standard with either. |

**Students vs Professional Developers**

For professional developers, if you’re building a new website and you have to make a choice today, here are some scenarios.

**ASP.NET Core is a better choice, if you -**

- Want to target your Web app on Windows, Linux, and Mac operating systems.
- Aren’t afraid of learning new things.
- Aren’t afraid of breaking and fixing codes since ASP.NET Core is not fully matured yet.

## ASP.NET MVC is a better choice if you -

· Don’t need a cross-platform support for your Web app.

· Need a stable environment to work in.

· Have nearer release schedules.

· Are working on an existing app and extending its functionality?

· Already have an existing team with ASP.NET expertise.

For students, if you’re just learning and have no plans to join a company for the next year or so, ASP.NET Core is a better choice for you. It will give you more options to choose from in the near future.

**Porting ASP.NET MVC to ASP.NET Core**

The following document lists the process and tools of migrating your existing ASP.NET MVC project to ASP.NET Core.

[**https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/dotnet/articles/core/porting/index**](https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/dotnet/articles/core/porting/index)

---

Original Source: https://www.mindstick.com/blog/11460/asp-dot-net-or-asp-dot-net-core-which-one-to-choose

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