What is the difference between .NET core and .NET Framework?

2 min readFeb 8, 2021

What is Microsoft .NET 5?

Microsoft’s .NET 5 has some major changes that can significantly affect your organization.

.NET Framework is a better choice if you:

Do not have time to learn new technology.
Need a stable environment to work in.
Have nearer release schedules.
We are already working on an existing app and extending its functionality.
Already have an existing team with .NET expertise and building production-ready software.
Do not want to deal with continuous upgrades and changes.
Building Windows client applications using Windows Forms or WPF

What is NET Core?

NET Core is a new version of. NET Framework, which is a free, open-source, general-purpose development platform maintained by Microsoft. It is a cross-platform framework that runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux operating systems.

.NET Core is a better choice if you:

Want to target your apps on Windows, Linux, and Mac operating systems.
Are not afraid of learning new things.
Are not afraid of breaking and fixing things since .NET Core is not fully matured yet.
A student who is just learning .NET.
Love open source.

The following Features through may help you make your decision.

Features & Winners

Feature: A high-performance and scalable system without UI

Winner: .NET Core is much faster.

Feature: Docker containers support

Winner: Both, but .NET Core is born to live in a container.

Feature: Heavily rely on the command line

Winner: NET Core has better support.

Feature: Cross-platform needs

Winner: .NET Core

Feature: Using Microservices

Winner: Both, but .NET Core is designed to keep today’s needs in mind.

Feature: User interface centric Web applications

Winner: .NET Framework is better now until .NET Core catches up.

Feature: Windows client applications using Windows Forms and WPF

Winner: .NET Framework

Feature: Already have a pre-configured environment and systems

Winner: .NET Framework is better.

Feature: Stable version for an immediate need to build and deploy

Winner:.NET Framework has been around since 2001. .NET Core is just a baby.

Feature: Have existing experienced .NET team

Winner:.NET Core has a learning curve.

Feature: Time is not a problem. Experiments are acceptable. No rush to deployment.

Winner:.NET Core is the future of .NET.

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