🎯 Introduction
One of the most confusing areas for developers is the difference between .NET Framework, .NET Core, and .NET Standard Library.
They sound similar but serve different purposes in the .NET ecosystem.
👉 Full detailed article:
https://fullstackprep.dev/articles/webd/netcore/dotnet-framework-core-vs-standard-library
🔗 Explore more .NET interview prep & guides:
https://fullstackprep.dev
👶 Fresher Level: Analogy
Imagine the world of electricity plugs:
.NET Framework → A wall socket fixed to your home (Windows-only, not portable).
.NET Core → A universal travel adapter that works across countries (cross-platform).
.NET Standard → The agreement/standard of pin shapes & voltages (common API contract).
So:
Framework = Windows-only legacy base
Core = Modern, cross-platform
Standard = Common agreement all follow
👨💻 Experienced Level: Practical Breakdown
.NET Framework
Legacy, Windows-only
Used for enterprise desktop & legacy web apps
.NET Core
Cross-platform (Windows, Linux, macOS)
High performance, cloud-ready, modular
.NET Standard Library
A contract/API specification that all runtimes implement
Ensures code sharing between Framework, Core, Xamarin, etc.
👉 Full breakdown with use cases:
https://fullstackprep.dev/articles/webd/netcore/dotnet-framework-core-vs-standard-library
🏗️ Architect Level: Enterprise Perspective
For architects:
Framework → Maintenance-only, avoid for new projects.
Core → Foundation for modern apps (merged into unified .NET 5+).
Standard → Crucial during migration era for code-sharing.
Future Direction → .NET 5 and later unify Core + Framework + Mono into a single .NET platform.
This impacts technology choices, migration strategies, and long-term planning.
🚀 Closing Thoughts
Think of Framework, Core, and Standard as:
Framework = Legacy wall socket
Core = Universal adapter
Standard = The rulebook
Together, they shaped the evolution of .NET into today’s unified platform.
👉 Read the full deep dive here:
https://fullstackprep.dev/articles/webd/netcore/dotnet-framework-core-vs-standard-library
🔗 Explore more .NET topics & interview prep:
https://fullstackprep.dev
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