What is .NET Core?
.NET Core is a cross‑platform, open‑source framework for building modern, cloud‑based, and Internet‑connected applications. It runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux, and supports languages such as C#, F#, and Visual Basic.
Is .NET Core the same as .NET 5/6/7?
Starting with .NET 5, Microsoft unified .NET Core and .NET Framework into a single platform called .NET. .NET Core versions prior to 5 are still supported, but new features are added to the unified .NET releases.
How do I install .NET Core?
Use the official installer from dotnet.microsoft.com. On Linux, you can use package managers like apt, yum, or dnf. Detailed guides are available in the Getting Started section.
Can I develop .NET Core apps on macOS?
Yes. .NET Core runs natively on macOS. You can use Visual Studio for Mac, JetBrains Rider, or any editor with the .NET CLI. See the Tutorials page for platform‑specific examples.
What is the difference between .NET Core and .NET Framework?
- Platform support: .NET Framework works only on Windows, while .NET Core is cross‑platform.
- Open source: .NET Core’s runtime and libraries are open source.
- Performance: .NET Core often provides better performance and lower memory usage.
- Deployment: .NET Core supports self‑contained deployments and side‑by‑side installations.
Where can I find API documentation?
The complete API reference is hosted on Microsoft Learn. You can also browse it offline via
dotnet docs or generate docs with docfx.