As of my last knowledge update in September 2021, .NET Core has evolved into .NET 5 and later .NET 6, and .NET Framework has been largely replaced by these newer versions of the .NET platform. However, I can still provide you with information on the advantages of .NET Core (and its successors) over .NET Framework. Keep in mind that there may have been further developments and changes since then.
1. Cross-Platform Compatibility:
- .NET Core was designed with cross-platform support in mind from the beginning. You can develop and run .NET Core applications on Windows, Linux, and macOS. This is essential for modern application development, as it allows you to target a broader range of platforms.
2. Performance:
- .NET Core is known for its improved performance compared to .NET Framework. It includes optimizations that make it faster and more efficient, which is crucial for building high-performance applications and microservices.
3. Modern Development:
- .NET Core embraces modern development practices and includes support for the latest language features and libraries. It allows you to use C# 8, 9, and future versions, as well as benefit from modern language features.
4. Containerization:
- .NET Core is well-suited for containerization using technologies like Docker. This makes it easier to package, deploy, and scale applications in containerized environments, such as Kubernetes.
5. Side-by-Side Installation:
- Unlike the .NET Framework, which relies on the Global Assembly Cache (GAC) and can sometimes lead to versioning conflicts, .NET Core allows side-by-side installation of different runtime versions. This makes it easier to manage and update applications independently.
6. Performance Profiling and Monitoring:
- .NET Core offers improved tools for performance profiling and monitoring, making it easier to identify and resolve performance bottlenecks in your applications.
7. Open Source:
- .NET Core is open-source, which means you can view and contribute to its source code on GitHub. This open nature fosters community collaboration and transparency.
8. Improved NuGet Package Management:
- .NET Core introduced a more efficient and flexible package management system through NuGet. This makes it easier to manage dependencies in your projects.
9. .NET Standard:
- .NET Core introduced the concept of .NET Standard, which defines a common set of APIs that all .NET implementations must support. This simplifies code sharing between different .NET platforms, such as Xamarin, ASP.NET Core, and Blazor.
10. Long-Term Support (LTS):
- Starting with .NET Core 3.1, Microsoft introduced LTS versions, providing a stable and supported platform for an extended period. This is essential for enterprise and mission-critical applications.
It's important to note that with the release of .NET 5 and later .NET 6, Microsoft has unified the various .NET implementations into a single platform known as ".NET 5+," which includes the best features of .NET Core and .NET Framework. This unified platform continues to receive updates and improvements, making it the preferred choice for new .NET applications.