---
title: "What is the difference between .NET Core and .NET Standard Class Library project types?"  
description: "What is the difference between .NET Core and .NET Standard Class Library project types?"  
author: "Steilla Mitchel"  
published: 2023-07-19  
updated: 2023-07-19  
canonical: https://www.mindstick.com/forum/159156/what-is-the-difference-between-dot-net-core-and-dot-net-standard-class-library-project-types  
category: ".net"  
tags: ["asp.net", ".net core"]  
reading_time: 2 minutes  

---

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

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) [project](https://www.mindstick.com/articles/105927/how-to-excel-at-managing-multiple-projects) types?

## Replies

### Reply by Aryan Kumar

Sure, I can help you with that.

**.NET Core** and **.NET Standard** are both frameworks for building .NET applications. However, they have different purposes and target different platforms.

**.NET Core** is a cross-platform framework that can be used to build applications for Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android. It is a lightweight framework that is designed to be fast and efficient.

**.NET Standard** is a specification that defines a common set of APIs that can be used across different .NET implementations. This means that a .NET Standard [library](https://www.mindstick.com/forum/34615/software-framework-vs-library) can be used in any .NET implementation that supports the specified version of .NET Standard.

**.NET Core** [class](https://www.mindstick.com/blog/165/generic-class-in-c-sharp) library projects are designed to be used to build .NET Core applications. They can target a specific version of .NET Core, or they can target the latest version of .NET Core.

**.NET Standard** class library projects are designed to be used to build libraries that can be used in any .NET implementation that supports the specified version of .NET Standard. They can target any version of .NET Standard that is greater than or equal to the specified version.

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

| Feature | .NET Core | .NET Standard |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Target platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android | Any .NET implementation that supports the specified version of .NET Standard |
| Size | Smaller than .NET Standard libraries | Larger than .NET Core libraries |
| Purpose | Used to build .NET Core applications | Used to build libraries that can be used in any .NET implementation that supports the specified version of .NET Standard |

Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your needs and preferences. If you are building a .NET Core application, then you should use a .NET Core class library project. If you are building a library that can be used in any .NET implementation, then you should use a .NET Standard class library project.


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Original Source: https://www.mindstick.com/forum/159156/what-is-the-difference-between-dot-net-core-and-dot-net-standard-class-library-project-types

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