.NET Development: A Run-Through of .NET Technology 14 Versions
When developers attempt to build applications for specific purposes, they undertake a task full of diverse challenges. For over 25 years, numerous software development companies have contributed to the tech industry by creating and upgrading technologies. One such technology is the .NET Framework which stands for Network Enabled Technologies. It is a software or programming model that aids in developing and running software applications. Microsoft Corporation introduced the .NET Framework on February 13, 2002, and the Dot Net performance is optimal on Microsoft Windows.
Many programming languages, including C#, C++, and VB.NET, use .NET Framework for standardized software development or .NET development. This technology has made its way to the mainstream without much fuss due to its backing from Microsoft. As a result, people began to seek relevant services and found the .NET development company, where professional programmers worked productively to satisfy the demands of their clients.
The .NET Framework is a futuristic technology. According to the data analysis of Statista, .NET currently ranks first in software development. This statistical finding corroborates the framework’s applicability, and a renowned .NET software development company MMCGBL has experts that help create, run, and maintain software applications for people.
If you are looking for highly performant apps, then it is time that you communicate with us. We have achieved large-scale credibility because our vision is marked by initiation and readiness to commence new projects. You are more than welcome to view our projects for your complacency.
What is the .NET Framework?
In the world of programming languages, .NET development plays a major role. Let’s understand what the .NET Framework is all about.
.NET or Dot Net is a software model protected by a trademark that builds apps on multiple platforms. Trademark refers to the fact that .NET is a proprietary software framework. Unlike open-source software (freely available to the public), .NET was once a closed-source software (not freely distributed). Presently, .NET is a free, open-source software framework that developers enjoy using. It incentivized many developers to further the idea of a .NET software development company.
When it comes to .NET development, people feel amazed by the multiplicity of frameworks comprising the word “.NET.” These frameworks are .NET Core and ASP.NET. The association of these technologies is there, but their platforms differ. In simpler terms, the affiliated .NET technologies are part of the vast environment that Microsoft has carried for so many years.
.NET development is a process through which programmers primarily create web-based applications. Few people know that with .NET, developers can create form-based apps, like Microsoft Forms. In addition, it is undeniable that the procedure of .NET development makes custom applications. These are software applications within organizations, and workers use them to meet business needs.
The operations of organizations are stable with the assistance of various developers. In .NET development, they hire a Dot Net developer so they can facilitate sufficient clients, especially regarding web applications. That way, you can also grow your .NET development company.
Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) & .NET
After understanding what the .NET framework is, let’s dive into OOP!
Based on classes and objects, OOP is a paradigm (style) that gives a structure to software programs, breaking them down into simple, reusable codes. Programmers find this breakdown helpful because it provides them with code patterns (classes) for better performance.
In .NET development, there is vital participation of OOP. The .NET Framework is responsible for coherently furnishing the environment with object-oriented programming components.
Mostly, programmers use C# because the .NET framework mainly supports this language. Since C# is also a language of Microsoft, the Dot Net performance becomes optimum.
Read more about C# and its connection with .NET Framework: C Sharp App Development – Top 5 Features To Look Out For in 2022 & Beyond
Versions of the .NET Framework
.NET development has embarked on an exciting journey of innovation. The consecutive versions of the .NET Framework have eased up the programming and software development complexity.
Let’s look into the .NET Framework versions!
As mentioned before, many programming languages use the .NET Framework. One language that we would like to stress here is VB.NET or Visual Basic.
.NET. The IDE (Integrated Development Environment) of Microsoft is Visual Studio. Owing to the IDE, .NET development is robust and unagitated.
Version 1.0 (2002)
The first .NET version was compatible with Windows XP, 98, NT 4.0, and 2000. At the time, it was a modern invention that could perform in a congenial combination with the respective operating systems. In light of .NET development, the initial version gave rise to CLR 1.0 (Common Language Runtime), Microsoft’s virtual machine component for the .NET Framework.
Read more about the virtual machine: What is a virtual machine?
This version backed object-oriented website development. It explains why OOP is rooted in .NET development and how the conception of a .NET development company came to pass.
Version 1.1 (2003)
An upgrade of .NET 1.1 additionally caused Visual Studio .NET 2003 to occur. Also, Microsoft launched CLR 1.1. Remember when we remarked APS.Net? This version enhanced .NET development because of APS.Net. In the past, this framework enabled developers to work toward mobile device development. Now, APS.Net allows them to create web pages and web services.
This version slightly improved the Dot Net performance in speed and security.
Version 2.0 (2006)
Microsoft released .NET 2.0 along with CLR 2.0 and Visual Studio .NET 2005. With this version, the productivity of .NET development was utterly increased. This version came with a feature that fulfilled the purpose of software development. The feature is called Async or asynchronous, which means “not synchronous.”
It may sound questionable because it does away with synchronization. However, the asynchronous data processing in .NET development is beneficial because it lets a particular program work on a function without stopping the entire program.
.NET 2.0 safeguarded APIs (Application Programming Interfaces), managed memory cache, amended ASP.Net, and so forth.
Read more about API: API Development – Top 8 Tools & Features for API Design
Version 3.0 (2006)
It was where the .NET Framework started to thrive. Though the CLR and Visual Studio .NET versions remained unchanged, the new version of .NET encompassed productive GUI (Graphical User Interface) elements. GUI is a user interface based on graphics, such as icons, pictures, and menus.
In .NET development, it helped greatly because it made communication easier and faster. What enamoured developers most was the compatibility of .NET 3.0 with Windows Vista. Moreover, the notion of managed codes in APIs appealed to programmers. The execution of managed codes is possible under the strict conduct of certain CLIs (Common Language Infrastructures). Intriguingly, one of the CLIs is the virtual machine.
Overall, this version engrafted automation, methodical extension, lambda aspect, etc. These rich features promoted the vigour of .NET development.
Version 3.5 (2007)
With the release of .NET 3.5, CLR 2.0 retained its position, but Visual Studio .NET 2008 came into existence. This time, Microsoft aimed to expand its range of interests and decided to work on the modernization of apps or modern apps.
Other than the enhancement of .NET 3.0 features, this version ameliorated .NET development using the resources supplied by Ajax. In the programming domain, Ajax pertains to the techniques of web development that cater to asynchronous web applications.
The major achievement of .NET 3.0 was LIQ (Language Integrated Query). It is known as the important factor of the .NET Framework, which backs up and reinforces .NET languages by making an addition of native query abilities. LIQ exemplifies .NET Framework 3.0 and smoothens .NET development.
Version 4.0 (2010)
.NET 4.0 changed the dimension of .NET development because it refocused on the architecture of the .NET Framework. Refocusing broadened the computer system’s software, modified compliance (established guidelines), and reliability (performance per standard specifications).
Microsoft also brought in CLR 4.0 and Visual Studio .NET 2010.
Version 4.5 (2012)
.NET 4.5 gave rise to Visual Studio .NET 2012. This version heightened its functionality with programming languages like VB.NET and C#, increasing the operating capability of .NET development. The successor of .NET 4.0 accomplished high scalability, which programmers looked forward to seeing for a long time.
It also had inbuilt support for Async and Windows application development.
Version 4.5.1 (2013) & 4.5.2 (2014)
These versions improved edit controls, performance, reliability, Windows applications development, DPI (dots per inch), and workflow attributes. The tech industry was advancing sophisticated .NET development.
.NET 4.5.1 peculiarly improved multi-core JIT (just-in-time compiler) and coordinated with Visual Studio .NET 2013. On the other hand, .NET 4.5.2 improved ASP.NET, DPI, and tracing of activity.
Version 4.6 (2015)
It was the turning point because Microsoft revealed Visual Studio .NET 2015. Unlike the previous versions, .NET 4.6 was well-suited with Windows Vista SP 2, Windows 8, and Windows 8.1.
This version helped .NET development by unveiling two top features: RyuJIT and HTTP/2 support. The former is the code name for the .NET JIT compiler that improved the length of time of software program execution, and the latter activated effective multiplexing.
Version 4.6.1 (2015) & 4.6.2 (2016)
These variants of .NET 4.6 improved SQL connectivity, spell checker of WPF (Windows Presentation Foundation), custom dictionaries, cryptography (ciphering and deciphering codes), and most importantly, X. 509 certificate. It is a digital certificate through which PKI (public key infrastructure) can be verified.
These versions are savvy in performance and have made .NET development better.
Version 4.7 (2017)
CLR 4.0 stayed on while the new Visual Studio .NET 2017 appeared. Programmers admired .NET 4.7 because Microsoft launched it in situ, meaning the earlier version (.NET 4.6.2) could work properly during .NET development. .NET 4.7 included the extensiveness of the object cache (storage of database query results).
Programmers have stretched .NET development beyond boundaries because .NET 4.7 supports applications on Windows 10.
Version 4.7.1 (2017) & 4.7.2 (2018)
These versions adhered to .NET development due to improved focus controls, garbage collection (automated memory management), and runtime.
Version 4.8 (2019)
Aside from traditional bug fixes and performance enhancements, .NET 4.8 is fit for Windows 10 2019, an operating system that people use today. This version contains anti-malware features, accessibility, and better .NET development.
Version 4.8.1 (2022)
.NET 4.8.1 is the latest .NET Framework version that Microsoft released this year. It supports the ARM architecture family. ARM is Advanced RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computers) Machines. It maximizes the performance of the CPU by confining cycles per instruction.
In a Nutshell
.NET development is a fine, systematic operation that multiplies the possibility of high-functioning Windows applications. The .NET Framework is the number one software development framework today. We can safely conclude that the .NET platform has grown into an orbit of digital transformation, technological advancements, and applied sciences.
The continuation of .NET Framework versions, from 1.0 to 4.8.1, unveiled unprecedented updates and gave impetus to .NET development. The exceptional emergence of these versions gave the green light to business opportunities. It is evident from the circumstances where institutions sought to hire a Dot Net developer.
It is rather mundane for a multinational company to hire a Dot Net developer for its enormous projects. Every organization, not unlike MMCGBL, strongly anticipates success. The company has earned the name of .NET software development company for its persistence in technology. Be it mobile or web applications, we are here to give what is required of us.
MMCGBL has teams of tech jockeys that take pleasure in offering .NET development services. From creating a CMS (Content Management System) to build an e-commerce platform, we are there for you.
That said, .NET development has become necessary to build simple, fast, and efficient applications. To make that happen, you are at liberty to hire a .NET developer.
.NET Development – Frequently Asked Questions
What is the .NET Framework?
It is a software framework by Microsoft that chiefly builds web-based applications. Developers can also run .NET on operating systems like Linux and macOS using integral components, tools, and libraries.
Why should I hire a .NET developer?
Hiring a .NET developer is beneficial if you want your applications built on games, IoT, mobile, web, console, desktop, etc. Dot Net developers are well-equipped to do the job efficiently because of their high AI and ML knowledge.
Is Windows 10 compatible with the latest version .NET 4.8.1?
Yes, it is. On top of that, .NET 4.8.1 supports Windows 11 and different versions of Windows 10, such as 21H2, 21H1, and 20H2.
