.NET Core vs .NET Framework
The choice of technology affects the success of a project, and in some cases, knowing the key differences between very similar solutions is a key tool for effective project implementation. In this article, we will compare two frameworks from Microsoft, one released in 2002 and the other introduced to the public 14 years later. Despite the age difference, both tools are still relevant for development. So what is the main difference between .NET Core and .NET Framework?
.NET Core was introduced to the public in 2016, and this framework is an advanced platform of its predecessor. It offers a variety of solutions for cross-platform development (Windows, macOS, and Linux), native mobile applications, and microservices. The main disadvantage of .NET Core is the main advantage of the .NET Framework – support for legacy systems and Windows-specific technologies.
When the .NET Framework was introduced 23 years ago, it revolutionised the way Windows solutions were developed. The powerful, adaptive framework still offers a wide range of tools, libraries, and classes. Although it is now outdated and no longer developed, but only supported, the .NET Framework has not lost its relevance. Today, the platform supports console, desktop, and web application development. The framework supports specific Windows technologies such as WPF and WCF. We will discuss the nuances of the .NET Framework’s security features later, but it boasts reliable security features.
Both frameworks from Microsoft undoubtedly have similarities and differences, and in general, these are their purpose and capabilities. However, in order to clearly understand the aspects of each, we propose to take a closer look at the difference between dotnet core and dotnet framework.
| Categoty | .NET Framework | .NET Core |
|---|---|---|
| Approach | Reference source | Open source |
| Platforms | For Windows solutions and legacy apps | For Cross-platform solutions, microservices and cloud apps |
| Architecture | Monolithic | Modular |
| Security | Robust security principles | Old legacy security features |
| WCF | Limited | Supported |
| Activity | Maintenance | Actively developed |
We can see that the difference between these two tools lies in their technological content and potential. This is not surprising, as with the development of technology, Microsoft actively developed the .NET Framework to meet the requirements for flexibility and development efficiency. However, the result was .NET Core, which broke away from more possibilities and streamlined development.
The main difference between .NET Core and .NET Framework is their purpose. While the 2002 solution is only suitable for Windows and outdated systems, .NET Core is effective for developing cross-platform solutions (web, mobile and desktop applications) as well as microservices. This leads to other differences related to approach, performance, modern cryptography defaults, and so on.
Both structures under consideration also have common features, for example:
Some clarifications need to be made to this list of common features. Additional tools such as ASP .Net and IDE are indeed supported by both platforms, but .NET Core offers more modern and advanced versions of them, such as Visual Studio and VS Code.
The security features of both platforms also have slight differences, although they use the same tools: Common Language Support, Code Access Security. CAS is available in both, but deprecated in .NET Core. Undoubtedly, the new system offers more extensive capabilities. Despite this, .NET Framework is also capable of:
Both .NET frameworks offer a highly adaptable deployment model. The framework uses its own web server (Kestrel). In addition, .NET applications can be easily deployed in Docker containers. According to this table and the list, the difference between dotnet core and dotnet framework can be seen clearly.
When evaluating the advantages of .NET Core over .NET Framework, it becomes clear that the modern framework is more relevant and versatile. Developers use .NET Core to create cross-platform applications with high traffic levels. It is also effective when working with solutions that require flexible scaling. .NET Core supports most containers and is compatible with lightweight code editors, which affects the efficiency and convenience of development by specialists.
Why does .NET Framework still remain on the market when it clearly loses to its new variation? Certain software solutions that were written on the old framework may not have been updated for a long time. Accordingly, the issue will become critical, and the need to update the system cannot wait any longer. It is not always rational to migrate an outdated software product due to its complexity, labour intensity, and time consumption. .NET Framework can still meet certain modern market requirements for security and functionality.
As we mentioned above, certain .NET Core technologies are missing or limited. In such cases, developers turn to the .NET Framework, which includes CAS, ASP.NET MVC, Workflow Foundation, and ASP.NET Web Forms. Therefore, it is not yet time to write off the 2002 framework from Microsoft.
We would like to share some examples from our practical experience. PNN Soft has been in the IT market for over 20 years, so we are very familiar with .NET Framework and have implemented dozens of projects based on it: custom projects from scratch, Windows applications, CRM systems, and updates to outdated systems. Here are some of them.
RhythmGO – the app for psychodiagnostics in medical area
RhythmGO application to analyse user’s behaviour in psychology and conduct corrective actions for users with a rhythm disturbance.
The program is created for Windows using .NET Framework technology.
CRM system to manage customers’ requests and documentation at the trading company
The CRM web system with Role-based framework, for trading systems to manage clients’ debts, complaints, comments and documents.
The solution is based on ASP.Net 2.0 and was created for Windows 2003 Server.
Automatic data acquisition system from Internet resources and social networks
The client-server system offers a real-time platform for natural language processing and computational linguistics, enabling sentiment analysis of digital content and communications. Web GUI includes Flex charts for visualization of statistic data.
The solution is based on ASP.Net 2.0 and was created for Windows 2003 Server.
Data collection, processing and accounting system for remote electricity meters
The client-server software efficiently collects, processes, and analyzes energy metering data using scalable Windows services. Data visualization and reporting are handled by user-friendly standalone Windows applications.
The solution is based on .Net 2.0 and was created for Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 2003 Server.
We keep up with the latest technologies, so when .NET Core was released, we provided training to our current specialists to provide you with effective solutions. Our portfolio includes interesting and productive solutions based on .NET Core. Here are some of them.
Software system to control, test and manage firmware with embedded devices
A software system for physicochemical laboratorys to manage, control and test the firmware of laboratory devices. We developed a desktop app for process management and PWA for testing the operation of the device.
Firmware management system and PWA are based on .NET core 6.0 (Server/API), the desktop Windows solution is based on WPF .NET (Client)
Dynamics CRM for telecom company for HR and consumer management
A Dynamics CRM system engineered to optimize customer service operations within mobile companies. This CRM system facilitates the efficient processing of client inquiries and enhances communication between operators and clients through advanced chat and call functionalities.
We used .Net technologies to ensure the high performance and scalability of our web solutions.
B2B and B2C portal for the data processing system of utility meters
A custom software project – a web application for quickly and regularly reading data from heat, water, and electricity meters. The web application connects to utility meters to track, read, store and process their current readings.
We used advanced .Net Core solutions
Digital infrastructure & operations system
A digital infrastructure management system for collaboration between internal employees and automation of the business processes. The system supports different levels of access for users, which guarantees the reliability and security of the solution. Simplifies routine operations and management.
The solution is based on .Net Core 6.0 and C#
It seems that in this comparison between .NET Core and .NET Framework, the latter will eventually disappear from the market as obsolete technology. However, .NET Framework is part of the Windows operating system, and therefore Microsoft is obliged to support it for as long as the Windows version is supported. In addition, millions of projects have been implemented on this framework, some of which continue to work as before. And therefore .NET Core was created as a stand-alone advanced framework, and today it is simply called .NET. Its support is expressed by the release of models .NET 5 – 8. In 2020, Microsoft introduced.NET 5, which merged the benefits of both the new and old frameworks. .NET 5 was not LTS, and its support ended in May 2022. This was due to Microsoft’s policy of releasing Long-Term Support (3 years of support) and Standard Term Support (18 months of support) frameworks alternately. Thus, the latest release of .NET 8 took place on 14 November 2023.
There are a lot of advantages of .net core over .net framework. But from all aspects, it is clear that both frameworks will be developed and supported.
PNN Soft has an impressive experience in working with these systems. We have created and updated many projects for various industries. We work mainly with outsourced projects for medium and large businesses and provide services for the development of native mobile applications, native desktop applications, cross-platform solutions, web solutions, and complex high-load systems. If you don’t know whether .NET Core vs .NET Framework is suitable for your project, leave a request in the form below and our technical experts will advise you on all the nuances of developing your software product.
.net core vs .net framework.
