MSDN Documentation

Core Features of .NET

.NET (often referred to as .NET Core in earlier versions) is a free, cross-platform, open-source framework for building many different types of applications. It is a modern, high-performance, and modular platform designed for the cloud and for building applications that run on Windows, Linux, and macOS.

Modern, High-Performance Architecture

.NET is built from the ground up with performance as a top priority. It features a highly optimized runtime (CoreCLR) and extensive use of modern C# language features, enabling developers to write efficient and scalable applications. Key aspects include:

• Just-In-Time (JIT) Compilation: Compiles IL code to native machine code at runtime for optimal performance.
• Garbage Collection: Advanced memory management with generational garbage collection.
• RyuJIT: A high-performance JIT compiler for x64 architectures.

Cross-Platform Development

One of the most significant features of .NET is its ability to run on multiple operating systems without modification. This allows developers to write code once and deploy it across Windows, macOS, and Linux, fostering greater reach and flexibility.

Modular Design

.NET's modularity means you only ship the components your application needs. This reduces application size and improves startup performance. The .NET CLI facilitates managing NuGet packages and project dependencies efficiently.

Cloud-Native Capabilities

Designed with cloud computing in mind, .NET excels in building microservices, containerized applications (Docker), and serverless functions. It integrates seamlessly with cloud platforms like Azure, AWS, and Google Cloud.

Unified Platform

While historically there were different .NET implementations (e.g., .NET Framework, .NET Core, Xamarin), .NET 5 and later versions have unified these into a single .NET platform. This provides a consistent development experience and API surface across all application types, including:

• Web applications and APIs (ASP.NET Core)
• Cloud services
• Desktop applications (WPF, Windows Forms, MAUI)
• Mobile applications (MAUI)
• Games (Unity)
• Internet of Things (IoT)
• Machine Learning

Language Support

.NET supports multiple programming languages, with C# being the most popular. Other languages like F# and Visual Basic are also supported, allowing developers to choose the best tool for their task.

Open Source and Community Driven

.NET is open-source under the MIT license and is actively developed by Microsoft and a vibrant community of developers. This transparency and community involvement contribute to rapid innovation and improvement.

Modern Tooling

The .NET ecosystem is supported by excellent development tools, including Visual Studio, Visual Studio Code, and the powerful .NET CLI, which streamlines build, test, and deployment processes.

Key .NET CLI Commands:

# Create a new console application
dotnet new console

# Build a project
dotnet build

# Run an application
dotnet run

# Publish an application for deployment
dotnet publish