.NET is a software framework and development ecosystem created by Microsoft and designed to simplify application engineering for web and desktop environments. Currently, it has many different types of applications and use cases as it supports the programming environment for most phases of software development.
Typically, .NET is a good development option for companies looking for many different features within their software product, including desktop software, cloud infrastructure support, and web-based services.
Why Companies Hire .NET Developers
For a long time before the release of the .NET framework, developers searched for an easy way to create an application. This framework is the answer to that search. It offers a consistent object-oriented programming environment and allows for the creation of applications that run on multiple platforms. This includes desktop, mobile, and web apps that run on Windows-based devices, servers, and personal computers.
Although Microsoft developed the .NET framework, it also supports cross-platform server apps that run smoothly across different server platforms, including Linux and iOS. A .NET development company benefits from a variety of features when developing projects within the platform, aligning closely with the responsibilities outlined in a .NET job description.
However, there are both benefits and drawbacks to developing in the framework that require consideration before beginning a software development project. This holistic understanding is essential for anyone involved in .NET development, ensuring they are well-prepared to leverage the framework’s capabilities while managing its limitations.
The Pros of .NET Development
Let’s take a look at the bright side first.
#1 Object-Oriented Software Development Mode
.NET is based on the object-oriented model of programming (or OOP). This is a development model built around the idea of breaking down software development into smaller pieces so that project tasks are easier to manage and combine. This method compartmentalizes data into objects (data fields) and uses the declaration of classes to describe the behavior and contents of objects.
The modular structure of this OOP development allows developers to define the interactions of objects without needing to manage their inner attributes. This simplifies programming in the long run as the code is easier to test, much more manageable, and responsive to problems. Using the OOP model in .NET development also helps eliminate excessive or unnecessary coding to make things more streamlined for developers as well as saving time and development costs.
#2 Cross-Platform Design
The .NET Core platform allows code to run on Windows, macOS, and Linux. While the original .NET framework wasn’t completely open and didn’t allow for such cross-compatibility, the .NET Core features fully open-source code to ensure the expansion of use cases across the development community.
From C# to Visual Basic, code written in .NET will run on each compatible operating system so that companies can reach a wide variety of platforms without needing to leave the ecosystem.
#3 Simplified Maintenance and Flexible Deployment
Flexible deployment is one of the top benefits of .NET development. It’s easy to install as a part of an application or on a separate install. The platform’s modular design includes all of the necessary dependencies so that the act of deployment itself is as simple as copying a folder. Also, multiple .NET Core versions can run at the same time on the same computer to make it easy to work on different projects while seamlessly performing deployment tasks.
#4 Large Online Community and Microsoft Support
The power of the .NET framework unites programmers and coders from companies of all sizes and business verticals from startups to the enterprise level. This is very helpful when developers encounter problems while working on a project as they have the ability to turn to solutions provided by online community members.
As a leader in the field of technology, Microsoft built a full and coherent ecosystem for developers, and they make an effort to continually evolve with the times. The active support for the .NET platform along with new updates and releases makes development easier.
The Cons of .NET Development
The other side of the coin.
#1 Cost of Licensing
Although .NET is an open-source technology, it can still be expensive to use. The Visual Studio IDE component, as well as additional quality assurance services and collaboration tools, can quickly add costs to projects. Even though .NET Core is usable on Mac and Linux devices, Windows for .NET engineering does come with additional licensing costs.
Microsoft Partners gain access to a number of these subscriptions for free. Educational establishments and non-profits receive free access to the Visual Studio Community as well.
#2 Memory Leaks
This is a common problem in just about any technology as sometimes the framework doesn’t release the memory that it no longer needs. .NET has a bit of a reputation when it comes to memory-related problems and memory leaks. Developers choosing to work within it must invest some additional effort and time into proper resource management. Developers and engineers must keep an eye out as projects grow larger as the memory leaks scale along with the size of the application.
#3 Object-Relational Support
As .NET uses object-oriented programming language, the model centers around objects instead of actions and data rather than logic. Some developers believe that the framework that supports this data orientation is not flexible enough and may not offer support on all database designs.
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