The .NET core vs .NET Framework debate has been going on for a while now. .NET Core and .NET Framework are two different framework implementations from Microsoft, with one having evolved from the other. Wondering what is .NET used for? Though both the platforms are used for building server-side applications, there are subtle, yet significant differences between the two. In fact, both .NET Core and .NET Framework have several functional components in common, and you can even share your code across the two platforms.

At the outset, you must be wondering – What is .NET Core, what is .NET Framework, and why do we have two different platforms at all? Even if we have two platforms, do we need to prioritize one framework over the other, and how? Why are we even pitching .NET Core vs .NET Framework? Well, the answer to all these questions lies in understanding the fundamental differences between the nature and purpose of the two platforms, and the intricacies of their functional components.

Confused, huh? Well, let us break down the .NET Core vs .NET Framework debate for you!
What is .NET Framework? Traditionally, developers have been using the .NET framework to create both Windows .NET desktop applications and server-based applications. And what is .NET Core? .NET Core, on the other hand, is used to create server applications that run on Windows, Linux, and Mac. As of date, it does not support creating desktop applications with a user interface.

Interestingly, .NET Core is primarily an open-source framework that comes with multi-platform support. Currently, it focuses on the development of web applications using ASP, .NET, MVC, API. In recent times, Microsoft has been focussing heavily on the development and expansion of .NET Core and has touted it as the future of web-based application development.

It is important to note here that both the terms ‘platform and ‘framework’ can be used to refer to .NET Core and .NET Framework, as they perform both the roles. During runtime and compilation, they act as a platform, while the code library provides for the development framework.