How is ASP.NET Core different from the older ASP.NET Framework?

ASP.NET Core is cross-platform and runs on modern .NET, whereas classic ASP.NET Framework is primarily Windows-based and tightly coupled to the .NET Framework and System.Web.

ASP.NET Core uses a middleware-based HTTP pipeline, built-in dependency injection, a unified hosting model, and a modular package structure. Classic ASP.NET commonly uses HTTP modules/handlers, System.Web, and framework-specific application models.

ASP.NET Core is the preferred platform for new .NET web development because it receives current framework improvements and is designed for cloud-native and high-performance workloads.