---
title: "What is the difference between .NET Framework and .NET Core?"  
description: "What is the difference between .NET Framework and .NET Core?"  
author: "Ravi Vishwakarma"  
published: 2026-03-15  
updated: 2026-03-18  
canonical: https://answers.mindstick.com/qa/116414/what-is-the-difference-between-dot-net-framework-and-dot-net-core  
category: "asp.net"  
tags: ["asp.net", ".net programming"]  
reading_time: 1 minute  

---

# What is the difference between .NET Framework and .NET Core?

## Answers

### Answer by Amrith Chandran

Both **.NET [Framework](https://www.mindstick.com/blog/12/dot-net-framework)** and **.NET Core** are [platforms](https://www.mindstick.com/blog/301471/what-are-people-s-favorite-online-platforms) developed by [Microsoft](https://www.mindstick.com/articles/85718/microsoft-accelerates-modern-bi-adoption-with-power-bi-premium) for building applications, but they differ in [architecture](https://www.mindstick.com/articles/249193/top-5-reasons-to-pursue-architecture), usage, and flexibility.

#### Platform Support

- **.NET Framework** → Windows-only
- **.NET Core** → Cross-platform (Windows, Linux, macOS)

#### Open Source

- **.NET Framework** → Mostly closed source
- **.NET Core** → Fully [open source](https://www.mindstick.com/articles/337437/how-to-leverage-open-source-for-innovative-project-development) and community-driven

#### Performance

- **.NET Framework** → Slower compared to modern standards
- **.NET Core** → Faster and optimized for high performance

#### Application Types

- **.NET Framework** → Best for desktop apps (WinForms, WPF) and legacy systems
- **.NET Core** → Ideal for web apps, APIs, [microservices](https://www.mindstick.com/articles/337598/define-the-importance-of-microservices-in-modern-software-architecture), and [cloud](https://www.mindstick.com/services/cloud-development) apps

#### Deployment

- **.NET Framework** → Requires system-wide [installation](https://www.mindstick.com/articles/711/php-installation-on-windows)
- **.NET Core** → Supports **self-contained [deployment](https://www.mindstick.com/articles/325966/process-of-application-development-and-deployment)** (app carries its own runtime)

#### Microservices & Cloud

- **.NET Framework** → Not suitable for microservices
- **.NET Core** → Designed for microservices and cloud-native apps

#### Updates & Future

- **.NET Framework** → [Maintenance](https://www.mindstick.com/articles/333912/maintenance-made-simple-how-online-tools-enhance-property-management) mode (no major new features)
- **.NET Core** → Actively developed (now evolved into modern .NET versions like .NET 5+)


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Original Source: https://answers.mindstick.com/qa/116414/what-is-the-difference-between-dot-net-framework-and-dot-net-core

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