When should we use .NET Core and .NET Standard Class Library project types?

When deciding between using .NET Core and .NET Standard class library project types, it's essential to understand the specific use cases and benefits of each.

.NET Core Class Library

A .NET Core class library is designed to be used within the .NET Core ecosystem. It is ideal for scenarios where you are building applications that will run exclusively on .NET Core. Here are some situations where you should use a .NET Core class library:

1. Cross-Platform Applications: If your application needs to run on multiple operating systems such as Windows, macOS, and Linux, .NET Core is the preferred choice due to its cross-platform capabilities[4][7].
2. High-Performance Requirements: .NET Core is optimized for performance and is suitable for applications that require high efficiency, such as real-time data analytics or large-scale web services[4][7].
3. Modern Development Practices: If you are adopting modern development practices like microservices architecture, containerization, or cloud-first approaches, .NET Core's modular and lightweight nature makes it an excellent fit[4][7].
4. Future-Proofing: .NET Core is the future direction of the .NET ecosystem, with continuous updates and improvements from Microsoft. If you want to stay current with the latest technologies and updates, .NET Core is the way to go[4][7].

.NET Standard Class Library

A .NET Standard class library is a specification of APIs that are intended to be available across all .NET implementations, including .NET Core, .NET Framework, and Xamarin. This makes it highly portable and reusable. Here are some scenarios where you should use a .NET Standard class library:

1. Code Sharing Across Multiple .NET Platforms: If you need to create a library that can be used across different .NET platforms (e.g., .NET Core, .NET Framework, Xamarin), .NET Standard is the best choice. It ensures compatibility and portability across these platforms[1][2][5][10].
2. Legacy Support: If you have existing applications built on the .NET Framework and you want to share code with new .NET Core or Xamarin applications, targeting .NET Standard allows you to maintain compatibility with both old and new projects[1][2][5][10].
3. Broad API Availability: .NET Standard libraries provide a broad set of APIs that are consistent across different .NET implementations. This makes it easier to write code that is portable and can run on any platform that supports the targeted .NET Stan...