ASP.NET is a software development framework and ecosystem that has been designed and supported by Microsoft. Since it is freely available, many ASP.NET developers have been using it to create a wide variety of applications. This way it makes the most of the software development phases for a programming environment.
ASP.NET is probably the best programming language, especially for those businesses that are looking for different types of features like web-based services, cloud infrastructure systems, and desktop software.
In the forthcoming sections of this write-up, we will look at the history of ASP.NET coupled with pros and cons that will help you determine whether it is the right programming framework for your development needs. We promise after reading this content piece, you will be able to take the right call in deciding whether to go for ASP.NET development services for your online business.
Let’s start with the history behind .NET .
It was in the late ’90s when Microsoft started on .NET framework. The ultimate objective behind the exercise was to create a platform that was based on a so-called managed code (a code that can be implemented under a runtime environment). This was the need of the hour since there was a lot of scope for enhancing development experience and give breathing space to the engineers from active memory management, security operations, and other low-level efforts that C/C++ developers had to take care of.
In the year 2002, the .NET Framework got released with a new language C# (a language that had a similar design to C++ with the primary objective of writing managed code). This framework solely concentrated on targeting Windows-based computers and servers.
At present, an ASP.NET development company can work with three separate branches of Microsoft platform: .NET Framework (Most used in businesses), .NET Core (a latest and moderately underdeveloped environment), and Xamarin (for mobiles). The future of ASP.NET is in ASP.NET Core and Xamarin. While .NET Framework continues to get the necessary Microsoft support, in due time, ASP.NET engineers will shift to Core and migrate their applications.
If you are starting with ASP.NET, the following resources will prove to be a catalyst in your development journey:
.NET guide – the general documentation by Microsoft for the very beginners.
.NET Core guide – if you consider transitioning to the Core version, go here.
.NET framework – the original .NET documentation.
Xamarin – the docs for mobile development.
.NET foundation – the headquarters of the .NET open-source community.
NuGet – the place to find all .NET packages. By the way, Microsoft Visual also supports npm.
Best .NET tools – it’s our take on the best tools, supported by expert opinion.
If you wish to download ASP.NET Core and Framework, click here.
Now, that you have gained a basic overview of ASP.NET programming language, it is time to look at some of its pros and cons.
Pros
Reliable and Simple Caching System
ASP.NET is a cross-platform .NET implementation that is compatible with OS X, Linux, and Windows. Since .NET Core has a fully open source code, it has a broad community that can contribute on a continuous basis on the development. This way, it is possible to build quality apps using ASP.NET application development.
Cross-Platform Design of ASP.NET Core
ASP.NET is a cross-platform .NET implementation that is compatible with OS X, Linux, and Windows. Since .NET Core has a fully open source code, it has a broad community that can contribute on a continuous basis on the development. This way, it is possible to build quality apps using ASP.NET application development.
Flexible Deployment and Effortless Maintenance
Flexible deployment is one of the significant benefits of ASP.NET Core development. You can either install it as a part of your application or install it separately. Due to the modular design, you can integrate all the dependencies required. The deployment process is as simplistic as copying a folder.
Active Microsoft Support
As ASP.NET is a platform technology of Microsoft; you can always expect the company to provide active support and further develop it. Microsoft has been doing that for quite a lot of time.
Cons
Limited Object-Relational Support
As mentioned in the pros, ASP.NET uses an object-oriented programming (OOP) language, model. This model is solely dependent on objects instead of “actions” and data or even logic. The Entry framework provides support to the data-oriented software application development in the ASP.NET framework.
There are certain engineers who believe the Entity framework is not flexible enough. It also does not support all database designs available in the programming language. This means that chances are the Entity framework may not help new database designs. The other problem is, chances are, this framework might get abandoned by Microsoft.
Memory Leaks
This is one of the prevalent problems in ASP.NET technology. This happens when the framework does not release the memory that is no longer required by it. There have been several experts who have criticized for memory leaks and memory-related issues. The garbage collector in ASP.NET can overcome this problem. But, there is still a lot of time that has to be devoted by developers on proper resource management. The problem is, the leaks keep on increasing as the application scales.
Now, that we have looked at some of the pros and cons of ASP.Net technology, it is time to look at the various scenarios when it is best for development purposes.
- If you need an app that works across platforms, ASP.NET is an excellent choice for most of your development needs, whether it is for a website or app. It can even be highly useful when you want to create games and AR development.
- Microsoft suggests that it has got the widest of tools to cross-integrate enterprise products. This includes both public and internal ones. This way, ASP.NET is best when you want to carry out enterprise-scale infrastructures.
The Final Words
These are selected a few pros and cons of ASP.NET application development. So, do you think ASP.NET application development is right for your business? Keep watching this space to read more interesting write-ups like these!