In this chapter, I provide some background on ASP.NET Core: why web frameworks are useful, why ASP.NET Core was created, and how to choose when to use ASP.NET Core. If you’re new to .NET development, this chapter will help you understand the .NET landscape. If you’re already a .NET developer, I provide guidance on whether now is the right time to consider moving your focus to .NET Core and .NET 7, as well as on the advantages ASP.NET Core can offer over previous versions of ASP.NET.
If you’re new to web development, it can be daunting to move into an area with so many buzzwords and a plethora of ever-changing products. You may be wondering whether all those products are necessary. How hard can it be to return a file from a server?
Well, it’s perfectly possible to build a static web application without the use of a web framework, but its capabilities will be limited. As soon as you want to provide any kind of security or dynamism, you’ll likely run into difficulties, and the original simplicity that enticed you will fade before your eyes.