---
title: "What is the difference between .NET Core and .NET Standard Class Library?"  
description: "What is the difference between .NET Core and .NET Standard Class Library?"  
author: "Utpal Vishwas"  
published: 2023-07-06  
updated: 2023-07-07  
canonical: https://www.mindstick.com/forum/158970/what-is-the-difference-between-dot-net-core-and-dot-net-standard-class-library  
category: ".net core"  
tags: ["asp.net", "asp.net core", ".net core"]  
reading_time: 3 minutes  

---

# What is the difference between .NET Core and .NET Standard Class Library?

What is the [difference](https://www.mindstick.com/articles/157114/good-news-or-bad-news-and-the-difference-is) between .NET Core and .NET [Standard](https://www.mindstick.com/articles/23223/naming-convention-or-coding-standard) [Class Library](https://www.mindstick.com/forum/158577/what-is-the-significance-of-the-base-class-library-bcl-in-the-dot-net-framework)?

## Replies

### Reply by Aryan Kumar

.NET Core and .NET Standard are both open-source, cross-platform frameworks for building applications. However, there are some key differences between the two frameworks.

- **.NET Core** is a runtime that can be used to run .NET applications on a variety of platforms, including Windows, macOS, and Linux. It is a newer framework than .NET Framework and it is designed to be more efficient and cloud-native.
- **.NET Standard** is a specification that defines a common set of APIs that can be used by .NET applications on different platforms. It is not a runtime, but it can be used to build applications that can run on any platform that supports .NET Standard.

Here is a table that summarizes the key differences between .NET Core and .NET Standard:

| Feature | .NET Core | .NET Standard |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Runtime | Yes | No |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux | Any platform that supports .NET Standard |
| Maturity | Newer | Older |
| Modularity | Modular | Not modular |
| Cloud-native | Designed for the cloud | Not specifically designed for the cloud |

Ultimately, the best framework for you will depend on your specific needs and requirements. If you are building a web application that will only run on Windows, then .NET Framework is a good choice. If you are building a web application that needs to be cross-platform, then .NET Core is a better choice. If you are building an application that needs to run on a variety of platforms, then .NET Standard is a good choice.

Here are some additional considerations when choosing between .NET Core and .NET Standard:

- **.NET Core** is a newer framework than .NET Framework and it is designed to be more efficient and cloud-native. This can be an advantage if you are building applications that need to be fast and efficient.
- **.NET Standard** is a specification, not a runtime, which means that it is not as well-defined as .NET Core. This can be a disadvantage if you are building applications that need to use specific features of .NET Core.
- **.NET Standard** is designed to be portable, which means that it can be used to build applications that can run on a variety of platforms. This can be an advantage if you are building applications that need to run on a variety of platforms.

If you are unsure which framework to use, it is recommended to use .NET Core. .NET Core is a newer and more mature framework than .NET Standard, and it is designed to be more efficient and cloud-native.


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Original Source: https://www.mindstick.com/forum/158970/what-is-the-difference-between-dot-net-core-and-dot-net-standard-class-library

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