.NET Core is a comprehensive, open-source, cross-platform framework developed by Microsoft for building modern, high-performance applications. It includes several key components that collectively enable developers to create a wide range of applications, from web and mobile apps to cloud services and IoT solutions. Here is a detailed breakdown of what is included in .NET Core:
1. Runtime
The runtime is the core component that executes application code. It provides essential services such as garbage collection, type safety, and exception handling. The runtime ensures that applications run efficiently across different platforms, including Windows, macOS, and Linux[1][2][3].
2. Libraries
.NET Core includes a set of libraries that provide a wide range of functionalities, such as JSON parsing, data access, and cryptography. These libraries are modular, allowing developers to include only the components they need, which helps in optimizing performance and reducing memory footprint[1][2][3].
3. Compiler
The compiler is responsible for converting C# (and other supported languages) source code into executable code that the runtime can execute. This process involves syntax checking, code optimization, and generating intermediate language (IL) code[1].
4. SDK (Software Development Kit)
The SDK includes tools and utilities that facilitate the development, building, and monitoring of .NET Core applications. It encompasses the CLI (Command Line Interface), project templates, and the compiler. The SDK is essential for developers to write, compile, and publish their applications[1][5].
5. App Models
.NET Core supports various application models, including:
ASP.NET Core: A framework for building web applications and services, known for its high performance and cross-platform capabilities[4].
Xamarin: A set of tools for building cross-platform mobile applications using C#[3].
Windows Forms and WPF: Frameworks for building desktop applications on Windows[3].
