When it comes to using .NET as a developer, it is important to know that you are using the right dot net framework version, an up-to-date version so you can still receive the appropriate security fixes, relevant updates and technical support from Windows.

If you are using the .NET 4.5 version, then read this blog to learn if that version of .NET is still relevant today. This will include if you can still use it along with learning what the latest version of this software is and how long you can continue to get support from the latest version of .NET - for all this information, plus more, keep reading.

 

Introduction to .NET

As an introduction to the .NET framework, it is a type of software framework that is developed by Microsoft. It runs primarily on Microsoft Windows and is used to run and create software applications.

.NET is a developer platform, it is made up of tools and programming languages. It holds libraries for building many different types of applications. It is a cross-network platform, meaning it is highly compatible. The .NET code allows you to execute in different places, implementing on Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, plus more, running services, websites and consoles.

The .NET Framework is the original implementation of .NET, which supports the running of websites, services, desktop apps and more Windows. This includes running apps on most smart mobiles using the most popular operating systems iOS and Android.

The same code libraries can run on different implementations with .NET. The framework is designed and supported by Microsoft, to allow for web applications and desktop engineering.

Its versatility makes it a popular platform and choice for many developers. It provides an environment for programming for most software development phases.

 

Open-Source Platform

.NET is an open-source platform which means that for any software that is created under it, the owner has to grant permission to other users to be able to use it.

The owner distributes the software and its source code to anyone who needs it. This includes changing its code for their purposes. Open-source software can be altered and developed collaboratively and in a public manner. It uses a variety of tools that use programming languages that work with applications.

 

Can You Still Use Dot Net 4.5 Framework?

In short, yes - you can still use the .NET 4.5 version - however, it is not recommended. This is because of newer versions of the software being released, and using an outdated version of .NET will no longer provide updated security fixes or technical support.

If you are using the dot net 4.5 frameworks, or the dot net framework 4.5.1, 4.6 or 4.61 then you will no longer be provided with updates and/or security fixes. This is because the support for these versions reached the end of April 2022.

You will need to update your deployed runtime to a more recent version. This means at least to the .NET Framework 4.6.2, to continue to receive the relevant updates and technical support.

Windows have said that it will continue to support the .NET Framework 4.6 through the end of support to the OS version until October 2025. The support for the .NET framework follows the Lifecycle Policy.

 

What Is The Latest Version of The .NET Framework?

The .NET Framework is updated automatically by Windows. Currently, 4.8.1 is the latest version of the .NET Framework. It will continue to be distributed with Windows as future updates are released. This version was released in August 2022 and continues to be the most recent update of the .NET framework.

The .NET Framework 4.8 will continue to be supported as long as it's installed on a supported version of Windows. It also supports a broad range of Windows technologies.

 

Who Uses .NET?

The .NET Framework is used by software developers. It can be used to help build many different types of applications for all different devices, including websites, desktop apps, mobile apps, and other services to name a few examples.

Users of applications built with the .NET Framework will need to have it installed, although in most cases the .NET Framework is already installed with Windows.

 

.NET vs .NET Framework?

Some of the key differences between .NET and .NET include that .NET is cross-platform whereas .NET Framework only runs on Windows, although both share lots of the same components and you can share code across the two.

The .NET is an open source and accepts contributions from others in the community, whereas the .NET framework source code is available however it does not take on direct contributions.

 

Blacklight Software Can Help Your Business

Blacklight Software can help you and your business. When it comes to .NET development, we are experts in this field. Our extensive experience using .NET helps us to build applications for our clients that can be run on multiple platforms.

No matter what industry you are from, Blacklight Software can help find a solution for you. If you are still using .NET 4.5, which you have learnt from this blog is now a retired version of the framework, then we can help you upgrade to an updated version.

.NET can be a complicated framework to understand, luckily we have a team of skilled programmers and developers to help produce solutions for you.

As well as specialising in .NET we also have expertise in Azure, Office 365, Sharepoint, and Dynamics 365. Our team can help you move forward with a consultative approach, so contact us today to gain more information from us and how we can help you along with the solutions we can offer you. In the meantime, you can also visit our website for more information.