Every developer has heard of the .NET development platform at least once. But not everyone knows its main characteristics and features. So keep reading this article to learn more about .NET and its scope.
What is .NET?
To start with, .NET is currently an open-source development platform created by Microsoft and consists of a standard library, a compiler, and a virtual machine.
These platform components allow you to code in some languages such as C#, VB.NET, and F#. After all, the platform was designed to take advantage of Microsoft languages and technologies without the need for different libraries for each.
And it was visible to both the community and the companies. Adopting a new language will be much easier as the developer will only need to learn the syntax of the new language.
This was a great idea as it was possible to host projects in different languages in the same solution, for example, it could be a C# library, a VB.NET web application, and F# tests, which provides some flexibility for those who develop the languages contained in the platform.
For the high-quality implementation of projects on this platform, it is best to contact .net developers. These are real specialists who know all the features of this tool and will be able to help with the development of the product you need.
How does .NET work?
Developing an application based on the Microsoft NET Framework is not a priori difficult.
Just to write simple code, you need a text editor and a compiler, which is included with the Framework.
To help you understand this better, a compiler is, let’s say, a translator of the programming language being used into a language that the PC understands (CIL). In other words, CIL is a common intermediate language or assembly language between the programmer and the PC.
Thus, CIL allows programmers to work on the same project in different programming languages. As you understand, this implies the possibility of joint development. On the other hand, for programming and developing more complex projects, you will have to improve your skills in data interpretation.
Visual Studio is a platform developed by Microsoft that offers a wide range of utility tools. We cannot forget the importance of web architecture and web design, as the framework you use can determine its adequacy in the development process. In addition, Microsoft also offers the ability to develop programs using HTML5 and JavaScript based on the .NET Framework.
Possible application types with .NET
In the first version of the platform, which was the .NET Framework, you could only develop desktop applications for Windows, web applications with the Asp.NET framework for hosting on servers running Windows Server, and mobile applications for Windows Phone.
Since Microsoft embraced open source, it has become possible to build desktop, web, and mobile applications using the Xamarim Forms platform, smart TVs, video games, and even on boards like Arduino for IoT or automation projects.
A little about versions
There are currently no major updates to the framework planned. Many companies still maintain entire systems on this platform, although they are often referred to as legacy systems.
In 2016 .NET Core was released and since then the platform has become more and more robust. Today it is recommended to start new projects using .NET Core.
You can use any text editor for the code, you can use your favorite editor like VS Code, Atom, Sublime Text, VIM, EMACS, and even Note Block. It all depends on your preferences.
Projects can be created through the command line, so regardless of your preferred operating system, you can develop applications on .NET Core.
