🎯 Introduction
When working with shared libraries, you may encounter .NET Standard 1.x, 2.0, 2.1 etc.
But which version should you choose?
The answer depends on compatibility, features, and project requirements.
👉 Full detailed article:
https://fullstackprep.dev/articles/webd/netcore/choose-dotnet-standard-version
🔗 Explore more .NET interview prep & guides:
https://fullstackprep.dev
👶 Fresher Level: Analogy
Think of .NET Standard versions like language levels:
Standard 1.x → Basic vocabulary (limited APIs).
Standard 2.0 → Intermediate, widely understood (broad compatibility).
Standard 2.1 → Advanced, but only newer people (runtimes) understand it.
So:
If you want maximum audience reach, choose 2.0.
If you want latest features, choose 2.1 (but some older platforms won’t support it).
👨💻 Experienced Level: Practical Guidance
.NET Standard 1.x
Limited API surface
Rarely used today
.NET Standard 2.0
~32k APIs
Supported by .NET Framework, .NET Core, Mono, Xamarin
Safest choice for library compatibility
.NET Standard 2.1
~37k APIs (richer features)
Supported by .NET Core 3.x, .NET 5+, Xamarin
Not supported by .NET Framework
👉 Detailed explanation with scenarios:
https://fullstackprep.dev/articles/webd/netcore/choose-dotnet-standard-version
🏗️ Architect Level: Enterprise Perspective
For architects, the decision depends on:
Target Audience → If library must work with legacy .NET Framework → use .NET Standard 2.0.
Future-Ready Development → If targeting only .NET Core 3.x, .NET 5+ → use 2.1.
Migration Strategy → Choose 2.0 for maximum compatibility during transitions.
With .NET 5+ unification, .NET Standard usage is decreasing, but for libraries that must run everywhere, it still matters.
🚀 Closing Thoughts
Choosing a .NET Standard version is like choosing the right language level:
2.0 → Speak to everyone (max compatibility).
2.1 → Speak advanced, but only modern listeners understand.
👉 Read the full deep dive here:
https://fullstackprep.dev/articles/webd/netcore/choose-dotnet-standard-version
🔗 Explore more .NET topics & interview prep:
https://fullstackprep.dev
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