Dive into .NET development: While it has seamless integration, scalability, and robustness, there are concerns about platform dependency and licensing costs. Weigh the pros and cons to make informed decisions.
.NET is a software framework and development ecosystem created by Microsoft and designed to simplify application engineering for web and desktop environments. It currently 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 in their software products, including desktop software, cloud infrastructure support, and web-based services.
Why Companies Hire .NET Developers
For a long time before the .NET framework was released, developers were looking 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 the creation of applications that run on multiple platforms. This includes desktop, mobile, and web applications that run on Windows-based devices, servers, and personal computers.
Although Microsoft developed the .NET framework, it also supports cross-platform server applications that work seamlessly on different server platforms including Linux and iOS. A .NET development company benefits from a variety of resources when developing projects within the platform, closely aligning with the responsibilities outlined in a .NET job description.
However, there are advantages and disadvantages to developing on the framework that require consideration before starting 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.
.NET development professionals
Let's look at the positive side first.
#1 Object-Oriented Software Development Mode
.NET is based on the object-oriented programming model (or OOP). This is a development model built around the idea of breaking software development into smaller parts so that project tasks are easier to manage and combine. This method compartmentalizes data into objects (data fields) and uses class declaration to describe the behavior and content of objects.
The modular structure of this OOP development allows developers to define object interactions without the need to manage their internal attributes. This simplifies programming in the long term 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 development time and costs.
#2 Cross-Platform Design
The .NET Core platform allows code to run on Windows, macOS, and Linux. While the original .NET framework was not completely open and did not allow for this cross-compatibility, .NET Core features completely open source code to ensure expanding use cases across the development community.
From C# to Visual Basic, code written in .NET will run on every supported operating system so businesses can reach a wide range of platforms without needing to leave the ecosystem.
#3 Simplified maintenance and flexible deployment
Flexible deployment is one of the key benefits of .NET development. It's easy to install as part of an application or in a separate installation. The modular design of the platform includes all the necessary dependencies so that the act of deployment itself is as simple as copying a folder. Additionally, multiple versions of .NET Core can run at the same time on the same computer to make it easier to work on different projects while performing deployment tasks seamlessly.
#4 Large online community and support from Microsoft
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 useful when developers encounter problems while working on a project, as they have the ability to turn to solutions provided by members of the online community.
As a leader in the field of technology, Microsoft has built a complete and coherent ecosystem for developers, and they strive to continually evolve over time. 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 Licensing Cost
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. While .NET Core can be used on Mac and Linux devices, engineering Windows for .NET incurs additional licensing costs.
Microsoft Partners get free access to many of these subscriptions. Educational establishments and non-profit organizations also receive free access to the Visual Studio Community.
#2 Memory leaks
This is a common problem in almost any technology, as sometimes the framework does not release memory it no longer needs. .NET has a bit of a reputation when it comes to memory-related issues and memory leaks. Developers who choose to work on it must invest some additional effort and time in proper resource management. Developers and engineers must be vigilant as projects grow as memory leaks increase along with the size of the application.
#3: Object Relational Support
Because .NET uses an object-oriented programming language, the model revolves around objects rather than actions and data rather than logic. Some developers believe that the framework that supports this data orientation is not flexible enough and may not support it in all database designs.
If you liked this, check out one of our other articles on .NET.
- How .NET Development Services Can Benefit Your Next Project
- Why use the .NET platform? Key benefits for 5 industries
- What is .NET Core?
- What is Xamarin and why you might need it
- When to look for .NET development services
