What is the difference between C# and .Net?

.Net Application Development - Laitkor

.Net is an umbrella term which comprises of Framework Class Library (FCL) and many languages including C#, C++, VB.Net etc. which compiles source code and outputs IL (Intermediate Language). IL will be consumed by Common Language Runtime (CLR) and converts it into platform specific code during runtime by the JIT (Just- in- time) compiler. C# is a programming Language whereas .Net is a framework built by Microsoft and the developers are responsible for .Net Application Development.

The difference

1.    Since C# is a programming language, you can develop software utilizing the FCl and can target many platforms (including iOS- using Xamarin, Linux- using Mono, Windows, etc.). While .Net framework is better at compiling the source code.

2.    C# is actually a programming language that was developed by Microsoft for .Net, whereas .Net is a framework built by Microsoft. Think of the .Net framework as a large collection of Microsoft libraries that you can use from your C# or VB.NET.

3.    Csharp is known as C#, which is a programming language used when developing ASP.Net. It is specially designed for easy use in practically any purpose. While ASP.Net is a web application framework with the main goal to create web applications, web sites and web services.

4.    Programmers may use C# as a programming language for ASP.Net or choose other languages if fit and available. ASP.Net is built on Common Language Runtime. The current version of ASP.Net framework 2.0 is created with a slight improvement over the original ASP. C# can be easily converted to other language programs by simply changing syntax used.

5.    Network enabled technology aka.NET is a framework by Microsoft. C# on the other hand is a new generation programming language used generally by .Net developers. C# can also be used with a mono compiler.

6.    .Net framework defines the rules and supporting libraries that other languages shall use. It also helps you to call variable written in another language to be used in a different language. So, .Net is the law and C# is the citizen.

The clear difference between C# and .Net is, C# is a programming language while .Net is a framework. The programmers can use C# language for ASP.Net as well. All the major difference between them is discussed above.

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