Last updated on June 6, 2024
Microsoft launched the .NET Framework back in 2002 as a revolutionary software framework for building Windows applications. The .NET Framework has two main parts:
- Common Language Runtime (CLR): This manages the execution of code written in different .NET languages, such as C#, VB.NET, F#, IronPython, or IronRuby. It provides services such as memory management, type safety, exception handling, garbage collection, and thread management.
- Framework Class Library (FCL): This is a comprehensive collection of reusable classes, interfaces, and value types that you use to build your applications. It provides a wide range of functionalities, such as data access, file I/O, and security.
What is .NET Framework Latest Release?
The latest release of the .NET Framework is version 4.8.1, released in August 2022. The last major release was in April 2019, three years earlier.
The .NET Framework has come a long way since its inception in 2002 with the release of version 1.0. We've witnessed several major releases, each introducing new features, improvements, and updates to the FCL and the programming languages supported by the framework. Here is a table presenting each .NET Framework and its respective release date.
|
Version |
Release Date |
|
4.8.1 |
09-08-2022 |
|
4.8 |
18-04-2019 |
|
4.7.2 |
30-04-2018 |
|
4.7.1 |
17-10-2017 |
|
4.7 |
11-04-2017 |
|
4.6.2 |
02-08-2016 |
|
4.6.1 |
30-11-2015 |
|
4.6 |
29-07-2015 |
|
4.5.2 |
05-05-2014 |
|
4.5.1 |
15-01-2014 |
|
4.5 |
09-10-2012 |
|
4 |
12-04-2010 |
|
3.5 |
19-11-2007 |
|
3.0 |
21-11-2006 |
|
2.0 |
17-02-2006 |
|
1.1 |
10-07-2003 |
|
1.0 |
15-04-2002 |
.NET Framework vs. .NET Core vs. .NET
It's crucial to understand that the .NET Framework is distinct from the newer .NET Core and .NET 5 and later. These are cross-platform and open-source, offering a different set of capabilities and use cases.
See also:
Is .NET Framework 4.8 the Last?
It is unlikely that Microsoft will launch a new major release of the .NET Framework. However, please note that although Microsoft does not require you to migrate your current .NET Framework apps, they (strongly) recommend that you use .NET 6 or later for new development. .NET Framework 4.8 will continue to be supported as long as it's installed on a supported version of Windows.
Given Microsoft's current trajectory of development focus, while older .NET Framework applications can remain on their existing platform, you might want to consider the correlation between each .NET Framework version and each version of Visual Studio, Windows, and Windows Server. You can check this in the official Microsoft documentation.
As we continue to track the evolution of the .NET ecosystem, it's clear that the future lies in the modern, unified platform of .NET 6 and beyond.
Keep an eye on our blog for the latest updates, insights, and tips on navigating the .NET landscape and more!
About the Author
This article was written by Ana Neto
“I have been a software engineer since 1997, with a more recent love for writing and public speaking. Do you have any questions or comments about this article or about CB Exchgange Server Sync? I would love to have your feedback!"