ASP.NET Core Runtime

ASP.NET Core Runtime is one of the critical components of .NET SDK, a cross-platform and open-source software framework for Windows and other compatible platforms that enables the development and deployment of managed software projects on a wide array of compatible target platforms.

Among all of the components found in .NET SDK, only ASP.NET Core Runtime is responsible for the fast, stable, and reliable running of existing web/server applications developed not only in the most updated version of .NET but also in previous releases.

As of the time of the writing of this review, ASP.NET Core Runtime is part of the .NET 7 release, which has introduced dramatic performance optimizations and feature additions when compared to the previous .NET 6 version that was released in late 2021. Microsoft has announced direct support of .NET 7 until the spring of 2024.

One of the core features of any .NET Runtime component is to enhance performance and enable software applications to run faster on target platforms. In this case, it uses the just-in-time (JIT) compiler feature to optimize all the managed code to run in the native machine language of the system that is executing the app.

This enables faster and more stable performance, helping software developers to take full advantage of target platforms. In this case, the .NET app is focused on web/server target platforms, providing streamlined deployment and execution of an incredible variety of cloud-powered applications and SaaS platforms.

ASP.NET Core Runtime is distributed online by Microsoft Corporation in the form of an installer and binaries.

The Windows platform packages are offered as x64, x64, and hosting bundle forms, as well as winget console instructions that allow GUI-less deployment of installation packages. Binaries are offered in x64, x68, and Arm64 packages. In addition to Windows, ASP.NET Core Runtime is also distributed for macOS and Linux.

FAQs

What is ASP.NET Core Runtime, and what is it used for?
ASP.NET Core Runtime provides the necessary runtime libraries and infrastructure to run web or server applications built with .NET and ASP.NET Core. It includes support for hosting, request-processing, routing, and the web-server middleware needed by web apps, so if you deploy an ASP.NET Core web application, you need this runtime on the server. 

How is ASP.NET Core Runtime different from the regular .NET Runtime or SDK?
The regular .NET Runtime is enough for running console apps or non-web applications, while ASP.NET Core Runtime adds web-specific components (web server, HTTP handling, middleware, etc.). The SDK is for building applications (compiling code), while the Runtime (including ASP.NET Core Runtime) is for running already compiled apps. 

When do I need to install the ASP.NET Core Runtime on a machine or server?
You need to install ASP.NET Core Runtime on any machine or server where you plan to run (host) an ASP.NET Core web application, for example, a website, web API, or other web service. If your application is a simple desktop console or non-web app, you don’t need it; the basic .NET Runtime suffices.

PROS

• Enables the development and deployment of managed software projects on multiple platforms
• Enhances performance through the just-in-time (JIT) compiler feature
• Focused on web/server target platforms, providing streamlined deployment and execution

CONS

• Limited to web/server target platforms
• Requires an installer or binaries to be distributed online
• Currently, only part of .NET 7 release and will not receive direct support after spring 2024.