.Net Runtime

The .NET runtime is a free, open‑source framework that enables developers to build and run applications across a wide range of scenarios, including web services, mobile and desktop apps, games, IoT devices, cloud‑native services, and microservices. It provides a common set of libraries and tools that support languages such as C#, allowing code to be compiled and executed on Windows, Linux, and macOS, as well as in container environments like Docker.

Targeted at software developers and teams building modern, scalable solutions, the platform integrates with popular development environments such as Visual Studio, Visual Studio Code, and package managers like NuGet. It also offers resources for learning and community support, including tutorials, videos, and documentation hosted on Microsoft Learn and GitHub.

What distinguishes the runtime is its cross‑platform capability, open‑source licensing, and a broad ecosystem that spans web, mobile, desktop, cloud, AI, and game development. It is maintained by Microsoft and a global community, ensuring regular updates and compatibility with major cloud providers and emerging technologies.