The primary differences between .NET Core and .NET Framework can be summarized as follows:
- .NET Core: It is a cross-platform framework that supports Windows, Linux, and macOS. This makes it suitable for developing applications that need to run on multiple operating systems[1][3][7].
- .NET Framework: It is designed to run only on Windows. It is primarily used for building Windows desktop and web applications[1][3][7].
Open Source
- .NET Core: It is open-source and available under the MIT License, which allows for free use, modification, and distribution[1][3][8].
- .NET Framework: While certain components are open-source, the framework as a whole is not. It requires a license for commercial use[3][8].
- .NET Core: Known for its high performance and scalability, .NET Core is optimized for modern app needs and developer workflows. It is modular, lightweight, and faster due to its restructured architecture[1][3][7].
- .NET Framework: While it is robust and reliable, it does not offer the same level of performance and scalability as .NET Core, especially for modern, cloud-based applications[1][3][7].
Application Models
- .NET Core: It supports the development of web applications (ASP.NET Core), cloud-based applications, and microservices. It does not support certain older technologies like Web Forms and WCF[1][3][7].
- .NET Framework: It supports a wide range of application models, including desktop applications (Windows Forms, WPF), web applications (ASP.NET Web Forms, MVC), and services (WCF)[1][3][7].
Installation and Deployment
- .NET Core: It is packaged and installed independently of the underlying operating system, allowing for side-by-side installation of different versions on the same machine[3][7].
- .NET Framework: It is installed as a single package on Windows, and only one version can exist on a machine at a time. Installing a new version replaces the previous one[3][7].
Use Cases...