Confused by .NET Framework/Core options when creating a project

Question

I'm trying to get my head around the differences between .NET Framework vs .NET Core and choosing one and what the projects look like.

I created a couple new test web applications by choosing the full framework and just .NET Core.  The first time through I have up to .NET Framework 4.6.2 in the dropdown but I can also pick the "ASP.NET Core Web Application" option...but

On the second page, I can clarify which version of .NET I want 1.0, 1.1, 2.0 which is fine but why do I have the first dropdown that still lets me pick .NET Framework vs .NET Core at this point?

Just seems confusing to me.  I would think if you pick "ASP.NET Core Web Application" on the first page, you should get the option to pick which .NET Core you want at that point.

Answer 1

Hi dat1,

My understanding is that it means an ASP.NET Core app can target the .NET Core or .NET Framework runtime.

https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/dotnet/standard/choosing-core-framework-server

Actually if you create two different options projects, and then view the .csproj file, you would find much more differences.

In short, they would select different assemblies from the SDK.

Best Regards,

Jack

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Answer 2

Jack,

Thanks.  That is the part I think I need to fully understand.  I'm looking to see what the benefits/pros/cons are with a "ASP.NET Core App" if you are targeting the full .NET Framework combo.

I did find this as well https://stackoverflow.com/questions/39865054/why-use-the-full-net-framework-with-asp-net-core

Thanks again.

Answer 3

FTR, I was confused myself, a while ago. So I mistakenly created a Core web site. I say mistakenly, because I am a Windows man, I run Windows all over on my machines, and I develop solely for the Windows Server.
So I have ported everything to pure .Net, and see no point using this "Core" thingy at all. Now I can continue to use my trusted well functioning C# .Net libraries, even libraries I wrote 10 years ago.

-Ingvar

Answer 4

Take the story from Andersen about the Emperor's new clothes. 

If you can look at the naked facts then it is more simple. .Net framework is intended for Windows OS systems. Core is intended to be used on non Windows OS systems with Cloud (Azure). (It can also be used on Windows OS but than we go back in fact to MS dos Applications or with xamarin to the windows vista kind of gadgets we see now in Windows 10 ) 

 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Emperor%27s_New_Clothes

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Answer 5

Hi dat1，

What about this issue? If any reply is helpful for you, you could mark it as the answer. If not, feel free to post it here.

I think you have got useful information from other community members or research by yourself. If you want to know more, you could try to develop some ASP.NET app in your side using old version and the latest VS version, you would get much more information.

You could also post any issues which are related to the .net core to the ASP.NET forum.

https://forums.asp.net/1255.aspx/1?ASP+NET+Core

You will get much useful information there.

Best Regards,

Jack

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Please remember to click "Mark as Answer" the responses that resolved your issue, and to click "Unmark as Answer" if not. This can be beneficial to other community members reading this thread. If you have any compliments or complaints to MSDN Support, feel free to contact [e-mail].

Answer 6

Jack,

Thanks, that's exactly what I did (Creating sample apps using the different options presented to me).   The article you included was helpful which let to other links within the thread as well that expanded on the topic.

Dave