.Net Framework To .Net Core Migration: A Comprehensive Guide!

However, .NET has been the right environment for web, Windows, desktop, and server applications for around two decades; apps built using .NET hardly align with the current scenario. Hence, it’s time you consider .Net Framework To .Net Core Migration and unleash the potential of your application. Let’s know how to do so!

Did you know?

Isn’t that a massive popularity? Now, you may be looking for the reasons and factors why ASP.NET Core is that popular, and if so, why you need to migrate your existing application to .NET Core. In this application modernization guide, we will give you a thorough explanation of why, when, and how to easily convert .Net Framework To .Net Core.

Let’s read between the lines!

Classic .NET vs DOT NET Core

Before you learn to migrate the classic .NET to modern .NET Core, we have summed up a comprehensive comparison to help you make your more precise decision. Here’s how you can make a difference.

Why migrate from .NET Framework to .NET Core?

When it comes to comparison between .NET and .NET Core, both are different from each other. However, .NET may be good for some systems, such as if you have to run your application on Windows machines. However, if you want to run the application on macOS or Linux, the option will be limited. Even for desktop applications, you need to convert your .NET application to .NET 7 (formerly known as .NET Core).

.NET Core utilizes the existing software as well as the hardware resources, enabling developers to craft more ambitious products with fewer technical limitations. Furthermore, since it has cross-platform capabilities, you can utilize the same codebase for Windows, as well as Linux for product development, which results in reduced cost of migrating existing applications to a modern platform.

Have a look at the Table given below, gesturing why you should migrate the .net framework to .net core!

Why Should You Migrate From .NET to .NET 6, 7 (Formerly known as .NET Core)

After having explored every single detail, for instance, why and in which circumstances migration of a .NET Framework to .NET Core makes sense, now is high time we explored the way to do so.

Migrate Automatically

If you have less resources and have standard features to include, .NET Core comes automate upgrade features to help you migrate from the old system to the new one. However, this is not feasible for larger applications. Yes, if you have a simple application, you have an option to make a move.

Migrate using .NET Upgrade Assistant

When you choose automatic migration from .NET Framework to .NET Core, you need to employ a .NET Upgrade Assistant that assesses your existing application and then provides appropriate recommendations for .NET Core migration. Moreover, it tracks the issues as well during conversion. The report accumulated by .NET Upgrade Assistant is utilized as an initial point to .NET Framework to .NET Core migration.

Migrating .NET Framework to .NET Core Manually

Look at the best software modernization practices mentioned below for .NET Framework to .NET Core migration manually!

Select Right .NET Core Version to Upgrade.

As you wish you to migrate manufally, you need to begin with picking up the right version. For example, currently, .NET Core 7 is available to use, you opt for this version. Still, we would reccommond you connect with your tech partner to take help into this matter.

Even though .NET 7 is here to use, we suggest our client to use .NET Core 6 due to its feasibility and maintainability. Therefore, you need to think and conduct a proper system introspection and keeping your business vision in mind, you can choose one that suits your needs the most.

Download & Install the .NET Core SDK (Software Development Kit)

Now, Consider downloading and installing the .NET Core SDK. It’s essential and will give you all the tools you need for creating your application on the very platform. Furthermore, it will allow you to target various versions of the .NET Core and choose from a multitude of different alternatives.

Convert Your .NET Framework To .NET Core

After installing the .NET Core SDK, move towards the conversion of the .NET Framework to .NET Core. For that to be possible, first off, build a new project in Visual Studio and then move further. choose an ASP.NET Core Web Application Template while creating the project.

Consider Migrating Code And Dependencies

Next up, you have another step which is to migrate your code dependencies to the new project. For that, you simply need to copy the files from your existing project. You need to add one of the NuGet packages depending on your project. Furthermore, make sure you have made some changes to the existing code, intending to make it compatible with the .NET Core. One of the common changes is updating the target framework to which you’re migrating.

Convert Your NuGet Packages as Well (If You Use them)

Now, if your application makes use of NuGet packages, you need to ensure you migrate it, too, to the new project. You just need to right-click on the References folder in Visual Studio, then select “Manage NuGet Packages,” and the process will get accomplished.

Perform Data Migration

Make sure you migrate your data to the new project if your existing application utilizes a database. Wondering how to do it? Don’t worry; it’s not a big deal! You’ll be able to do it by just making use of the “Export” and “Import” features provided in Visual Studio. Besides, you’re capable of using the “Generate Scripts” feature if you want to create a SQL script to migrate your data to the .NET Core.

Migrate .csproj File

Now that you have migrated the code, data, along with dependencies, the next step you need to follow is to migrate your .csproj file. For this, you’re just required to copy over the files from the existing project. Furthermore, you need to alter the files to point to the new SDK.

Configure Your Application for the New Platform

The next step is to configure your app for the new platform. You can do it by just following the guidelines suggested by Microsoft.

Besides, if you hire .NET Core developers, the team will tackle this part. Once you’ve done this, you must recreate your project and run it on the new .NET Core platform.

Conduct Proper Testing & Then, Deploy the Application on .NET Core

Now, the next and final step is to conduct proper testing of your existing application for a smooth performance. Test your application and make sure it delivers flawless performance on the .NET Core. If you test and find the app performs without glitches, you’re good to go.

As we’ve come to the end of this article, it’s worth factoring that there may be some applications you can’t migrate with automation tools. This is because those apps are large in size and clunky, especially enterprise apps, and that’s where you need assistance from experts. The experts will help you migrate your existing .NET Framework to .NET Core with ease and convenience so that you can embark on leveraging the benefits of the .NET Core framework.

How to Get Your System Ready for .NET Framework to .NET Core Migration

Only having the roadmap to application modernization isn’t going to come in handy if you don’t have the basics ready. Therefore, follow the steps given below and get your system ready for migrating your .NET Framework to .NET Core.

Build .NET Standard Libraries

Creating a .NET standard library has a considerable role to play. It lets you know if you can make use of the same code in both of the applications built using .NET Framework or an application based on .NET Core. It enables you to embark on migration with no need to redeploy the whole application.

Utilize APIs and Client-Side Development

Consider using more APIs to create applications and being more client-centric. Besides, if you’re thinking of making your app more accessible, create them using Angular and React— as these new frameworks have fewer dependencies on Webforms and are likely to get port conveniently.

Employ the Model Binder

While migrating a desktop application to .NET Core, you need to change the way you handle the data. You can implement the Model Binder, which is a robust component in automatically mapping your data, from HTTP requests to the action method parameters.

Wrapping Up!

That’s pretty much about it! That’s all how you can easily and conveniently migrate your application from .NET Framework to .NET Core. We suggested everything needed, including why, when, and how to perform this migration; you just have to employ these suggested ways, and you’ll end up having your application migrated to .NET Core. Hopefully, the blog answers all your questions, and may be thinking of migration, too. So, connect to an application modernization agency and get started; you’ll end up having an amazing experience in software migration!