.NET Framework
.NET Framework is a proprietary software framework developed by Microsoft that provides a runtime environment and a comprehensive class library for building and running applications on Windows. It supports multiple programming languages, primarily C#, VB.NET, and F#, and includes features like memory management, security, and exception handling. It is widely used for developing desktop applications, web services, and enterprise software.
Developers should learn .NET Framework when building Windows-specific applications, legacy systems, or enterprise solutions that require integration with Microsoft technologies like Active Directory or SQL Server. It is essential for maintaining and modernizing existing .NET-based applications, and its robust libraries simplify tasks such as data access, networking, and UI development. However, for new cross-platform projects, .NET Core or .NET 5+ are often preferred alternatives.