What is Dotnet?

.NET is a free, open-source, and cross-platform developer platform created by Microsoft. It provides a comprehensive set of tools, libraries, and languages to help you build a wide variety of applications, including:

• Web applications - Create dynamic and interactive web experiences using frameworks like ASP.NET Core and Blazor.
• Mobile applications  - Develop native mobile apps for iOS, Android, and other platforms using Xamarin or .NET MAUI.
• Desktop applications - Build rich desktop applications that run on Windows, macOS, and Linux with the .NET Framework or .NET Core.
• Games - Develop engaging games using Unity, which integrates seamlessly with .NET.
• Cloud applications - Build and deploy cloud-based applications that scale efficiently using Azure and .NET.
• Internet of Things (IoT) applications -  Connect and manage IoT devices using the .NET libraries and tools.

.NET is versatile and well-suited for various development scenarios:

• Cross-platform compatibility - Run your applications on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and other platforms, expanding your reach to a wider audience.
• Open-source and community-driven -  Benefit from the active and supportive open-source community, contributing to and leveraging the vast ecosystem of libraries and tools.
• Multiple programming languages -  Choose from a variety of programming languages like C#, F#, Visual Basic, and C++ to suit your project's requirements and your familiarity.
• Rich tools and libraries - Access a robust collection of libraries and tools that streamline development, simplify tasks, and accelerate the development process.

Key components of .NET:

• .NET FRAMEWORK - The original implementation primarily used for building Windows applications.
• .NET Core - A lightweight, modular, and cross-platform version of .NET.
• .NET 5 and onwards (including .NET 6 and .NET 7) -  Unified the framework, offering a single, streamlined experience across platforms.
• C# - The primary programming language used in .NET development, known for its readability, performance, and general-purpose nature.
• Visual Studio - The integrated development environment (IDE) most commonly used for developing .NET applications, providing comprehensive set of features and tools.

Whether you're a seasoned developer or just starting out, .NET offers a powerful and versatile platform to bring your ideas to life.