Have you suddenly found yourself facing a project using .NET, but you don’t know the first thing about it?
While the unknown can make us scared, it’s also an opportunity to grow. Increasing your understanding of this powerful tool can create new efficiencies you only dreamed about in the past!
Thankfully, having an understanding of .NET basics does not require a degree in computer science. You only need to grasp the essentials to start driving a killer return on investment.
Give yourself five minutes today, read this article, and learn what .NET can offer and some real-world scenarios!
What Is .NET?
.NET is not a programming language but a software framework for developing new applications. The software created on this free, open-source platform can run on the web, mobile devices, or desktops.
You still use a programming language, however. Each one has its strengths and weaknesses, but the supported options include:
- C#
- F#
- Visual Basic
Starting with C#, this is a general-purpose language for object-oriented programming. In other words, this can create forms and fields that users can change.
F# is like C#, but it arguably offers better flexibility and is less prone to errors. You will also see developers use this in an environment like Visual Studio.
Visual Basic has existed since 1991 and focuses itself on event-driven programming. It’s easy to earn and can create surprisingly powerful and safe .NET applications.
Advantages of .NET
Businesses that create .NET applications can reduce development costs and create new efficiencies. From operations to accounting, this can add value once you know its strengths.
Less Coding
Using one of the object-oriented programming languages supported by .NET means fewer redundancies! You can re-use code and other components that save significant heartache and migraines.
Easy Deployment
The development of cloud technology has made it easier than ever to use this platform and .NET alternatives. You can safely execute these programs with confidence thanks to these advancements.
For example, you can take advantage of Azure OCR to translate printed text from invoices, bills, or financial reports. Another supported option to explore would be a Tesseract .NET application for an OCR API.
Security
When you develop a .NET application, you have the added advantage of using Windows security options. You can also create role-based accounts for users and program access security features.
Real-World Applications for .NET
Using .NET opens up a world of possibilities, but it’s crucial to understand how it may work in reality. Frequent uses for the framework include:
- Desktop Applications
- Websites
- Services
- Workflows
- Building, Debugging, and Publishing Applications
If you need to create custom software for business operations or otherwise, .NET is a free and potent option to consider. With the added flexibility of Azure applications, it can also scale to whatever size you need.
Even More .NET Basics
Having this essential understanding of .NET basics is a good start, but what should you do now? Spend some time exploring free resources and dig into some forums. You may find all the answers you need from those sources.
Did this article help you make decisions about a project? Check out more of our helpful programming content before you leave!
