ASP.NET Core, often simply referred to as ASP.NET Core, is an open-source and cross-platform framework for building modern, cloud-based, and internet-connected applications. It’s a redesign of Microsoft’s ASP.NET framework, built from the ground up to be modular, lightweight, and highly scalable.

Key features and aspects of ASP.NET Core include:

Cross-platform compatibility: ASP.NET Core is designed to run on Windows, macOS, and Linux, making it highly versatile for developers who prefer different operating systems.

Open-source: ASP.NET Core is open-source, hosted on GitHub. This openness encourages community contributions, fosters innovation, and facilitates rapid updates and improvements.

Modular design: ASP.NET Core is built on a modular architecture, where functionality is provided by individual components called “middleware.” Developers can pick and choose the middleware they need, resulting in leaner applications and improved performance.