.NET Core cross-platform development

In today’s tech landscape, creating applications that work across platforms is getting more essential than ever. That’s where .NET Core shines bright.

A powerful, cross-platform framework by Microsoft, .NET Core allows building high-performing applications. And the best thing – you write your code just once and deploy it across operating systems without rewriting.

What is .NET Core?

.NET Core is like the cool, modern brother of the .NET framework, the platform everyone loves and cherishes. But what’s the kicker?

Web & mobile applications, distributed systems, console applications, API services – .NET Core fits perfectly. British Telecom, Alaska Airlines, Jet.com (Walmart), Intuit (TurboTax), Accenture, TurboTax, ASOS, GoDaddy – guess what these applications all have in common.

You can call this a toolkit that provides the power to create powerful applications with one single codebase. Cross-platform, lightweight, and designed for scaling – it’s perfect for complex, enterprise-level applications and simple, small apps.

And the best part – it’s being constantly improved, with contributions from professionals all over the world. You access the foundation to create and run responsive applications without worrying about restrictions.

.NET Core: main components

CoreCLR (Common Language Runtime)

CoreCLR handles code execution, memory management, garbage collection, and other important processes. CoreCLR runs .NET applications across platforms while managing just-in-time compilation, threading, security, and more.

CoreFX (Base Class Library)

CoreFX provides different libraries that include common functionalities for handling foundational processes. File I/O, collections, networking – CoreFX allows software developers to leverage ready-to-implement solutions for everyday programming needs.

ASP.NET Core

ASP.NET Core – a high-performance, cross-platform framework that’s designed for building web applications. Lightweight, modular, and designed for delivering cloud-based applications, it empowers software developers to create fast solutions smoothly running on any major platform.

EF Core

Entity framework is an object-relational mapper, which simplifies data access by mapping database tables. Being versatile and supporting multiple systems (SQL Server, PostgreSQL, MySQL), it helps software developers with straightforward data management.

Xamarin

An unmatched mobile framework that allows to create mobile applications smoothly running across platforms. Though Xamarin originated outside .NET Core, it’s integrated with the .NET platform, which means a consistent user experience.

Roslyn 

A so-called compiler platform that supports syntax highlighting, code suggestions, code refactoring, and more. With Roslyn, you become more productive when within .NET Core, in particular when translating Visual Basic into machine-executable code format.

On a side note, you can learn more about converting Visual Basic from our blog articles:

• How do you migrate VB6 applications?
• Code converters for successful VB6 migration
• Why migrate VB6 to .NET code in 2024?
• Is outdated Visual Basic still used in 2024?

.NET Core cross-platform development: key benefits

One codebase, many platforms

You write your code and then repeatedly deploy it across operating systems – Windows, macOS, and others. It’s similar to giving a party and inviting your friends, and everyone is fine with coming, no matter the location.

High-level performance

.NET Core is designed for speed – it’s faster and requires less memory than its older brother, .NET framework. It’s like going from a tricycle to a sports car – who wouldn’t love that?

It’s open-source!

You get the opportunity to browse through contributions from professionals – case studies, suggestions, fixes. It’s like being part of a big family, where everyone is there to help.

Easy hosting

Whether on-premises, in the cloud environment, or hybrid, .NET Core always has your back, so do not worry. You’re not tied down to one specific environment.

.NET Core cross-platform development: key challenges

“It’s platform-specific”

The framework has promised to run smoothly everywhere, but beware – you might still face random issues. Different platforms have their unique quirks.

You will occasionally have “why isn’t this working?” moments sometimes, but do not panic, it is not critical.

Bug fixing

When things go wrong, bug fixing across platforms can feel like looking for that tiny needle in the big haystack. You will probably need to keep an eye on the tiniest details to make sure everything is aligned.

But again – not that big of a deal, it might sound harder than is.

Third-party libraries

You know how sometimes you find the tool you need but only to realize it’s available for one single platform? It’s like going to a place that serves only one pizza topping on Tuesdays.

Same here – some libraries won’t support all platforms equally well.

High-level performance (but that might vary)

.NET Core is designed for speed (we don’t take back our words), but performance might vary across platforms. You might enjoy quick, one-you-can-dream-of execution on one particular platform, but on another platform, it’ll disappoint you, sorry.

Optimizing performance will come with challenges, but in the end, your code will run smoothly everywhere.

Best practices worth knowing working within .NET Core

Code layers and modules (or divide and conquer)

Let’s picture your application as an aligned team, each member with its own role (for example, business logic). You get it, right?

By leveraging code layers and modules, you can make sure each part knows where it stands, without confusion. This structure is the secret sauce for performance, flexibility, scalability, and debugging without constraints. 

Dependency Injection

Dependency Injection is the ultimate matchmaker that keeps code neat and organized, and ready for changes. Each element gets handed the service it needs without tangling the process – just coherence and consistency.

What’s more, code testing becomes easy when switching out components – a walk in the park, really.

Asynchronous programming – the art of multitasking 

Async programming is like teaching applications to juggle multiple tasks without dropping anything important. So, while fetching information, your application can handle other things – no more sitting around and waiting for those slow tasks to finish.

Health checks – your app’s wellness routine

Try monitoring key services (for example, memory usage) to check whether everything is working as expected. It’s like a tracker for your critical systems!

.NET Core’s future outlook

.NET Core is looking at intriguing future opportunities, with Microsoft constantly advancing its technologies. We’re expecting more features focused around microservices architecture, tighter integration with leading cloud platforms, and some new tooling.

.NET Core has become the modern go-to framework for efficiency and resilient, cloud-friendly architecture. And with ongoing contributions (it’s open-source, after all!), we can look forward to more innovative features that reflect real-world needs.

How we can help

Whether launching fresh projects, preventively modernizing existing applications, or preparing for scaling – Abto Software has what it takes to bring your vision to life.

Preliminary discovery and planning, coding, testing, deployment, release, we guide you through every stage. We handle the whole heavy lifting – making sure your applications are efficient, flexible, scalable, and secure – and you focus entirely on your business goals.

Our services:

• .NET development
• ASP.NET development
• Web app development
• Mobile app development
• Cloud services
• Full-cycle, custom software development

In particular:

• .NET development
  • .NET cross-platform web development
  • .NET cross-platform mobile development
• .NET modernization
• Azure-based development
• Microservices development, and more!