What is the difference between .NET Framework, .NET Core, and .NET 5+?

Question

Accepted Answer

**.NET Framework** — Windows-only legacy. **.NET Core** — cross-platform. **.NET 5+** — unified platform.

**.NET Framework:**
- Windows only.
- Legacy (4.8 is final).
- Not open source.
- Windows Forms, WPF.

**.NET Core (1-3):**
- Cross-platform.
- Open source.
- High performance.
- ASP.NET Core, console apps.

**.NET 5+ (modern):**
- Unified platform.
- One .NET for all.
- Cross-platform.
- Best performance.
- Version 5, 6, 7, 8...

```bash
dotnet --version  # Check version
```

C#: What is the difference between .NET Framework, .NET Core, and .NET 5+?