If codes are the tools, then a framework is the instruction manual that determines how the tools will be used to create your project. Through one platform, they allow the developer to build a whole software without as much effort. Consequently, this means that your choice of framework will influence your end-product’s speed, performance, compatibility, and more. That’s why project managers spend a long time deciding on a framework, and that’s also why developers spend an even longer amount of time deciding which framework to study/specialize in. See, there’s a lot that goes into choosing a framework for your project. To make the best decision for your project, here is everything you need to know about picking the right .NET framework.
Project Complexity
The first factor you need to consider when going about your selection process is determining what your project is and what you want out of it. Not only that, but also how far do you expect to go with your software. Remember, planning for scalability is crucial. When it comes to .NET frameworks, you’ll find that Microsoft is constantly releasing updated versions. Not just that, but you’ll also find that these frameworks make the job of building complex software that much easier. They are fitted with various tools to create and edit anything from websites to mobile and desktop applications.
Even better, developers have access to libraries that enable them to use codes previously created by others before them. This translates to less time spent on writing the basic code common in all software and more time spent on writing unique code. Keep in mind, less time means less money which is a great advantage for any client. Of course, within the DotNET family, there are differences between frameworks when it comes to the ability to handle complex apps. The ASP.NET MVC framework is designed to simplify the process of building web applications by separating elements, like design and code. The ASP.NET Core, however, does not have the same feature. Instead, it offers the ability to build and use microservices (self-contained pieces of code responsible for a specific function).
Developer Preferences
Respecting a developer’s preferences is essential to picking the right framework. The relationship between developers and frameworks is similar to the relationship between people and the android vs IOS debate in a way. You can know your way back and forth around an IOS device, but struggle to set the time on an android device. In the same way, a developer who is proficient in using Java won’t be as good at using .NET as it is a whole other language. That is why, as a client, if you want to choose .NET for your project, you need an expert in the framework. By giving them the home advantage, you’ll be taking advantage of the full range of their abilities, thus setting your project up for success. Take into consideration that this also applies to different frameworks within the .NET family. While a developer who is used to ASP.NET MVC will be able to make the switch to Core in a short time, you need to account for that short period until they get used to the newer version.
Performance
While Java is good and has become faster over the years, it still is slower than .NET frameworks, especially the .NET Core, given that it is designed for the specific purpose of developing high-performance apps. The reason behind the difference mainly goes back to the coding languages used. Nowadays, some refer to Java as a framework, but at its core, Java was created to be a programming language, like C# and F# which are used in DotNET frameworks. What makes DotNET frameworks faster is the fact that they use compiled languages rather than interpreted languages. Here is where it gets a tad complicated. A compiled language is a set of instructions that, once complete, is compiled directly by the machine itself, translated into machine-friendly language before the program starts running. It’s similar to reading a whole book before writing up a summary.
On the other hand, an interpreted language is converted and executed by an interpreter while the program is running. It’s the equivalent of summarizing chapter by chapter. Needless to say, compiled languages (C# and F#) are a lot faster because they are instantly converted by the machine itself before running. Going in, the CPU already knows what to do. It doesn’t need to translate anything on the go. Meanwhile, an interpreted language (Java) is slower because it is executed by an interpreter (a program) which converts the source file to instructions during run-time and not ahead of it.
Target Platform
One of the main differences between frameworks is their platform compatibility. The first frameworks within the .NET family, Web Forms and MVC were only compatible with Windows. Meaning, applications designed using those frameworks couldn’t and still can’t be edited or run on any operating software other than Windows. In their 2016 framework release, however, Microsoft managed to permanently overcome this limitation by creating the .NET Core. It is capable of creating enterprise-level applications, gaming projects, as well as AI programs, fully compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux. In response to the increasing demand for products that can function on more than one operating software, as of 2020, the majority of .NET developers have migrated to .NET Core. While this doesn’t mean that the MVC has been cast out, it seems to have become less popular compared to the more versatile alternative.
As you see, the selection process requires researching dense material, some of which may fall outside one’s field of expertise. It is, without a doubt, exhausting, but all the information you will learn will help you a great deal when communicating with your developer. Not only will you be able to keep up with their explanations, but once they see that you can speak their language, they’ll start sharing more details and suggestions, knowing that it won’t go over your head. Before you get too excited about a certain developer, though, make sure you pick out the best framework for the job