What's the difference between .NET Framework, .NET Core, and Xamarin?

Question

Aryan Kumar · Answer

.NET Framework, .NET Core, and Xamarin are all frameworks developed by Microsoft for building applications. However, there are some key differences between the three frameworks.

.NET Framework: The .NET Framework is a monolithic framework that is designed to run on Windows. It is a mature framework with a large library of components and libraries.
.NET Core: .NET Core is a modular framework that can run on Windows, macOS, and Linux. It is a newer framework than the .NET Framework and it is designed to be more efficient and cloud-native.
Xamarin: Xamarin is a framework that allows you to build native mobile applications using C#. It can be used to build applications for Android, iOS, and macOS.

Here is a table that summarizes the key differences between .NET Framework, .NET Core, and Xamarin:

Feature	.NET Framework	.NET Core	Xamarin
Platform	Windows	Windows, macOS, Linux	Android, iOS, macOS
Maturity	Mature	Newer	Newer
Modularity	Monolithic	Modular	Not modular
Cloud-native	Not specifically designed for the cloud	Designed for the cloud	Not specifically designed for the cloud
Native mobile development	No	No	Yes

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 the .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 a native mobile application, then Xamarin is a good choice.

Here are some additional considerations when choosing between .NET Framework, .NET Core, and Xamarin:

.NET Framework: The .NET Framework has a larger library of components and libraries than .NET Core. This can be an advantage if you need to use a specific component or library that is not available in .NET Core.
.NET Core: .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.
Xamarin: Xamarin allows you to build native mobile applications using C#. This can be an advantage if you are familiar with C# and you want to use the same language to build both web and mobile applications.

forum

What's the difference between .NET Framework, .NET Core, and Xamarin?

Can you answer this question?

1 Answers