Are you searching for NET Core vs .NET Framework? If yes, then this article is right for you. Many businesses nowadays are shifting their apps from .NET Framework to .NET Core, due to the scalability and flexibility it provides. Through .NET Framework has been in the industry for almost 2 decades, but it can only be used to create Windows-based apps.
In this article, we will make a clean distinction between these two frameworks to help you understand which one is right for you. Not just that, we will also help you with the entire migration process when switching from .NET Framework to .NET Core.
When to Use .NET Core?
.NET Core is a cross-platform framework used to develop apps for Windows, Linux, and macOS. It is open source and can be used for receiving contributions from the developer community. When you understand the difference between .NET Core and .NET Framework, you will know that the former one that follows the flexible and scalable methodology while building mobile apps. Moreover, some other reasons to choose it because it provides scalable architecture, modern development experience, security, and compliance.
When to Use .NET Framework?
The .NET Framework is the first software framework developed by Microsoft that can be used to create only Windows-based software and apps. Whereas .NET Core is the latest version of .NET that surpasses the challenges users faced with the .NET Framework. While the .NET Framework is the traditional and conventional app development framework, .NET Core has become its contemporary counterpart, built to address the challenges faced by users using the .NET Framework by incorporating the latest technologies.
NET Core vs .NET Framework: Comparison at Glance
NET Core is a cross-platform framework, and hence you can use it to develop apps for Windows, macOS, and Linux. .NET Core is also a modular framework, which means you can include only those features that are required in your app. This may reduce the size and speed of your app.
Now, let’s take a look at the detailed comparison of .NET Core vs .NET Framework, in order to help you choose the right framework.
.NET Core vs .NET Framework: Compatibility
When we compare .NET Core vs .NET Framework in terms of compatibility, then .NET Core gains the competitive edge as it is compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux, whereas .NET Framework is only compatible with Windows-based apps.
.NET Core vs .NET Framework: Deployment: In terms of deployment, for .NET Framework, the app should be deployed over the Internet Information Server. As compared to this, .NET Core offers a flexible deployment model and the apps created with this framework can be hosted in multiple ways.
.NET Core vs .NET Framework: Devices Supported: When we compare .NET Core vs .NET Framework, in terms of devices supported, .NET Core takes the lead. This is because with .NET Core, you can create apps for different environments like Cloud, IoT, AI, etc. As compared to this, .NET Framework can only be used for developing Windows OS devices.
.NET Core vs .NET Framework: Source: The .NET Framework is proprietary and has been released under the Microsoft Reference Source License. Whereas, as compared to this, .NET Core is open source that can be used by anyone.
.NET Core vs .NET Framework: Microservices: If we talk about this, microservices in .NET Core are suitable for developing cross-platform applications due to their lightweight nature, better performance, and containerization support. As compared to this, .NET Framework supports WCF and REST services but does not have the capability of developing or deploying microservices.
.NET Core vs .NET Framework: Mobile Development: Since .NET Framework is Windows-based only, it cannot be used to build mobile applications, thus making it inflexible for the needs of modern enterprises. Whereas with .NET Core, you can build and deploy Android, iOS, and macOS applications.
Reasons to Migrate from .Net Framework to .Net Core
Most users have used the .NET Framework for almost 20 years. They have used it as a default environment to launch different types of apps including Windows desktop, server, and web apps. Though it has been a wonderful environment, but it was restricted to Windows only, which limits the deployment on platforms like macOS and Linux. This is the key difference between .NET Core and .NET Framework that you will find. Now, let’s understand other reasons to migrate to the latter one.
Better Scalability: There is a possibility to run the app of different groups at the same time. It is an important aspect when dealing with apps that require more computing power and websites. In this scenario, .NET Core allows you to build high-power apps hassle-free. You might not need to worry about the load balancers and servers since they can be deployed efficiently and quickly.
Non-Blocking: Non-blocking codes are important in building high-speed apps that run without any glitches or overloading the servers or making the other apps work slowly. These types of apps do not impact the apps while processing the data. These requests are taken care of independently without interference with other resources.
With the new API group in .NET Core, developers can easily create a structure of non-blocking applications. These similar APIs can also be used in previous .NET versions.
Containers and Microservices
Containers are used for packing and deploying the app. The .NET Core is available to be used in containers for the smooth facilitation of the quick and faster deployment of applications. Moreover, it is also compatible with microservices. In the comparison of .NET Core vs .NET Framework, .NET Core gains a competitive edge. Additionally, .NET Core also serves as the software architecture that helps in dividing the application into individual and smaller services. Thereby, making it easier to manage these services as compared to one bigger service.
The Non-Deterministic Finalizers
Generally, finalizers are used to wipe out the memory once the objects are deleted. But in some cases, these finalizers might fail to run smoothly and vice versa. Most developers might not use these finalizers as they cannot ascertain their behavior. With .NET Core, these finalizers cannot be used. Therefore, the best choice for migrating data from the .NET Framework to .NET Core is the ASP.NET development outsourcing.
Cases Necessitate Migration from .NET Framework to .NET Core
.NET Core better than .NET Framework? If this is the question that comes to your mind, then here are some reasons why you need to move your app infrastructure to the incredible .NET Core.
The Requirement for Performance Enhancement: The .NET Core performance is better due to its modular architecture, which means using specific features without necessarily having to utilize the entire framework. You just utilize what you need at that instance, which improves overall performance.
The Requirement of Having a Smaller Footprint. This means that your application is targeting devices with lower or restricted storage. The .NET Core is excellent at addressing IoT applications or devices with storage problems.
The Need to Use on Various Platforms: .NET Core facilitates cross-platform development, which means an app runs smoothly in Windows, macOS, or Linux. This is easy because development teams will not have varying codes; rather, it is one for all three platforms.
Targeting Newer Operating Systems: The developers utilize the added functionalities in .NET Core libraries to build apps that can scale and target the newer operating system versions. They are less concerned with compatibility.
Support for Open-Source Development: The .NET Core enables other developers to be able to contribute to the development. Therefore, there is easy and rapid fixing of bugs and deployment of upgrades.
Step-by-Step Guide to Migrate from .Net Framework to .Net Core
If you are thinking about migrating from .NET Framework to .NET Core, you have to evaluate your existing app and determine whether it is a suitable app to migrate. Migration will be straightforward if your app doesn’t utilize any features unsupported in .NET Core.
You have to make some changes to the code if your app utilizes features unsupported in .NET Core. There are various resources that can assist you in the migration process. The following are the most important steps involved in migrating from .NET Framework to .NET Core
Analyze the Migration Feasibility: Before you start migrating, it is essential that you thoroughly analyze and understand the investment of the switch by factoring in how complex and big your applications are. Moreover, take into consideration, usage of specific features, the size of the codebase, and also the support for the third-party libraries. You can also take assistance from an app development company to perform this task for you.
Assess Compatibility: Examine the existing .NET Framework application to identify the areas of compatibility, dependencies, and potential areas of challenge in migrating.
Plan the Migration: Second, you must prepare a complete migration strategy or plan, which outlines your strategy, timeline, and resources needed during the whole process of migration. By developing a very elaborate plan, you can make sure that the migration is taking place in the correct manner without any wastage of costs and resources.
Select the Tools & Resources Required for Migration: In order to streamline the migration process, you must have the right set of tools and resources. Microsoft offers the .NET Portability Analyzer to analyze your app compatibility with .NET Core. You can get access to all the guides and documentation provided by Microsoft and its community to plan and carry out the successful migration. Use all the resources at hand to tackle any issue that arises during the migration process and take expert advice whenever needed.
Update the Code & Dependencies: Then, you have to update the codebase so that it will be compatible with .NET Core as well as all its dependencies will be updated according to the needs of the framework. Additionally, update or remove all third-party libraries and incompatible dependencies that are not suitable for the present framework.
Refactor and Rewrite the Components: In case the particular components are not compatible, then it is better if you rewrite or refactor them in alignment with the .NET Core architecture. Also, optimize the code if necessary to make it compatible with the best practices and patterns of the current target framework.
Convert Configuration and Settings: Next, move application settings, configuration files, and environment-specific config into the respective .NET Core counterparts.
Test and Debug the Apps: Thoroughly test all the apps migrated to detect and resolve any issues or bugs that may have been caused during the migration process. Conduct diverse tests and quality checkoffs to resolve compatibility or performance issues.
Deploy and Monitor: Lastly, deploy the app in the target environment and thoroughly test its performance to ensure it works as needed across the new framework.
Manual vs Automatic Migration: Which One Should You Choose?
Most of the apps can be migrated by using various automation tools, but in some cases, some apps cannot be transferred due to their file size and legacy enterprise systems. Furthermore, .NET Core might not support all the technologies and may create issues during migration. For instance, the apps built on technologies like .NET Remoting and LINQ2SQL need to be migrated manually since they are not supported in .NET Core.
In case you are choosing automatic migration, you can consider using .NET Upgrade Assistant. For manual migration, you need to analyze the app dependencies. Then migrate the data from ASP.NET MVC and WebForms. Next, move the app file and test run the app on .NET Core.
Conclusion
In this article about .NET Core vs .NET Framework, you might have gotten the idea about a few distinctions that are there between these frameworks. Choosing the right framework between them for your app development depends on your project requirements. If you want to create a Windows-based app, then the .NET Framework is better.But for building apps for various operating platforms, .NET Core is more appropriate. For any assistance with the process of migration or app development, you are welcome to get in touch with TechGropse. We are a renowned mobile app development agency that can assist you in developing cost-effective applications with our professional team. Not just that, we can also help you throughout the migration process to ensure a smooth and secure app transfer.
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FAQ:
Yes, it is possible to run your existing .NET Framework apps on .NET Core by refactoring or rewriting the code and dependencies that complement the target framework.
.NET Core offers a more modular and open architecture, thereby making the integration of different technologies easy. Whereas .NET Framework comes with a vast library ecosystem and integration with various technologies.
.NET Core is deployed as a self-contained app with all the dependencies included or as the framework dependent app. Whereas the deployment of .NET Framework needs the installation of the framework on the target machine. This creates dependencies for managing and updating the apps on the framework.
Yes, .NET Core is faster than .NET Framework. With the coming of ASP.NET Core, you can increase the application speed by 5X or 7X.
The .NET Framework lets you develop apps and web services that work on the Windows operating system. Whereas with .NET Core can build cross-platform apps that run on Windows, Linux, and Mac.
.NET Core provides better performance for applications due to its modular architecture and optimized runtime. This helps to speed up the response time and better scalability for apps and services.
Anup Kumar is a visionary Director of Technology specializing in Artificial Intelligence, bringing over a decade of experience in driving AI innovation, digital transformation, and business growth. With advanced expertise in machine learning, natural language processing, AI application development, and scalable AI infrastructure, he leads high-performing, cross-functional teams to deliver intelligent, enterprise-grade solutions. Anup has a strong track record of building and deploying impactful AI-powered applications, cultivating data-driven cultures, and aligning cutting-edge technology with strategic business objectives. Passionate about ethical AI and continuous innovation, he is committed to solving complex challenges and unlocking new opportunities across global markets.
