Different types of DOTNET Frameworks?
There are several versions and implementations of the .NET Framework, each catering to different development scenarios and platforms. Here are the major types of .NET Frameworks:
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.NET Framework (Full Framework):
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The .NET Framework, often referred to as the "Full Framework," is the original implementation of the .NET platform.
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It is designed for building Windows desktop applications, server applications, and web applications on Windows servers.
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The .NET Framework includes the Common Language Runtime (CLR), Base Class Library (BCL), and extensive APIs for Windows development.
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.NET Core:
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.NET Core is a cross-platform, open-source framework and the successor to the .NET Framework.
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It is optimized for developing modern applications that can run on Windows, Linux, and macOS.
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.NET Core offers improved performance, modularization, and flexibility compared to the .NET Framework.
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It is used for building web applications, microservices, console applications, and cloud-based applications.
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Xamarin:
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Xamarin is a set of tools and libraries that allow developers to build native mobile applications for iOS, Android, and macOS using C# and the .NET platform.
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Xamarin enables code sharing across platforms, allowing developers to write a single codebase while creating native user interfaces for each platform.
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Xamarin.Forms provides a cross-platform UI toolkit for creating shared user interfaces across iOS, Android, and Windows platforms.
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Universal Windows Platform (UWP):
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The Universal Windows Platform (UWP) is a framework for building applications that run on various Windows devices, including PCs, tablets, Xbox, Surface Hub, and HoloLens.
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UWP apps can be developed using a combination of .NET technologies, including the .NET Framework, .NET Core, and Xamarin.
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UWP provides a common API surface and supports adaptive user interfaces that can adjust to different device form factors.
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.NET Standard:
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.NET Standard is a specification that defines a set of APIs that should be available on all .NET implementations.
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It acts as a common language between different .NET implementations, allowing developers to create portable libraries that can be used across multiple platforms.
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.NET Standard enables code sharing between various .NET frameworks, such as .NET Framework, .NET Core, Xamarin, and UWP.
It's important to note that with the release of .NET 5, Microsoft unified the .NET platform, merging .NET Framework, .NET Core, Xamarin, and UWP into a single ".NET" platform. This unified platform provides a consistent development experience and supports cross-platform development across Windows, Linux, and macOS.