What is the difference between the .NET Framework platform and .NET (or .NET Core)?

.NET Framework is a classic, Windows-oriented platform for application development that has been around since the early 2000s. It is tightly integrated with Windows and supports only this OS.

.NET (formerly .NET Core) is a cross-platform, modular, and more modern platform that supports Windows, Linux, and macOS. It was created to enhance performance, flexibility, and deployment in containers and the cloud.

Main differences:

• Cross-platform: .NET Framework — only Windows, .NET — cross-platform.
• Modularity: .NET allows you to include only the necessary libraries, whereas .NET Framework is monolithic.
• Updates: .NET is updated more frequently and rapidly, while .NET Framework is more conservative.
• Performance: .NET is generally faster and more optimized.

Example: if you want to create a web application that will run on a Linux server, choose .NET. If the application is strictly for Windows and uses Windows-specific technologies, you can use .NET Framework.