<ul data-eligibleForWebStory="true">Microsoft development ecosystem involves both .NET and ASP.NET, each serving different purposes..NET is a platform by Microsoft for building various applications using languages like C#, F#, and VB.NET.ASP.NET is a web-specific framework built on top of .NET for creating websites, web apps, and APIs.ASP.NET offers server-side tools, UI options like Razor and Blazor, MVC architecture, and RESTful API support.ASP.NET Core is the modern cross-platform version, optimized for cloud-based applications.Key difference: .NET is the overarching platform, while ASP.NET is tailored for web development.Use ASP.NET for web applications or APIs and .NET for desktop, mobile, or background services.For cross-platform compatibility, opt for .NET 5+ and ASP.NET Core over legacy frameworks.Understanding the distinction helps in selecting the appropriate tools for the project..NET ecosystem is versatile, swift, and suitable for projects of any scale, from small tools to enterprise apps.ChampSoft specializes in leveraging .NET technologies for scalable and secure solutions.ChampSoft offers further insights on .NET and technology trends in their blog.