.NET Framework vs .NET Core vs .NET 5+
Understanding the differences between .NET Framework, .NET Core, and .NET 5+ helps you choose the right technology for your project. Here’s a beginner-friendly comparison.
Three Flavors of .NET
.NET has evolved into three main branches, each with its own strengths and purposes:
- .NET Framework: The original, Windows-only version
- .NET Core: A cross-platform, open-source alternative
- .NET 5 and later: A unified platform combining both worlds
Feature Comparison
| Feature | .NET Framework | .NET Core | .NET 5+ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Platform Support | Windows only | Windows, Linux, macOS | Cross-platform |
| App Types | Desktop, Web (ASP.NET) | Web, APIs, Microservices | All (Web, Mobile, Desktop, Cloud, IoT) |
| Open Source | Partially | Yes | Yes |
| Performance | Moderate | High | Very High |
| Latest Support | Maintenance Mode | Last version was 3.1 (LTS) | Current and future direction |
When to Use What?
- .NET Framework: Only if you're maintaining legacy Windows apps.
- .NET Core: Good for cross-platform web apps and microservices (use .NET 6+ for new projects).
- .NET 5+ (.NET 6, .NET 7, .NET 8): Best for modern apps. Supports all types of workloads.
Same Language, Better Tools
No matter the flavor, you use the same C# language, syntax, and base libraries. Here's a simple example that works across all versions:
// Simple program compatible across versions
using System;
class Program
{
static void Main()
{
Console.WriteLine("Running on .NET!");
}
}If you're starting fresh, use .NET 6 or .NET 8. They're fast, modern, and fully supported. The future of .NET is unified — cross-platform development from one base.