Learn .NET from online courses

Learn .NET programming to advance your education and career with online courses.

What is .NET?

.NET is a free, open-source platform that allows developers to build applications for the web, mobile devices, the Internet of Things (IoT), and more.^{Footnote 1} The .NET platform is cross-platform and compatible with multiple languages and libraries, and is useful for building applications that span a range of operating systems, including iOS, Android, and systems other than Windows (MacOS and Linux).

.NET isn't a language itself but an adaptable platform of multiple languages, libraries, and components. The .NET platform allows developers to use multiple programming languages — including C#, F#, and Visual Basic — to create apps. The .NET ecosystem has multiple developer tools designed to shorten development time including Visual Studio, an integrated development environment; Xamarin, a company bridging the gap for cross-platform native interfaces; and ASP.NET, a developer platform.^{Footnote 2}

.NET was developed by Microsoft to manage Windows applications and is available on GitHub, NuGet.org, and other sites. The .NET platform is overseen by the .NET Foundation, which helps support .NET by promoting software available to .NET developers, advocating for the needs of .NET developers, supporting .NET projects, and championing the benefits of the open-source platform.^{Footnote 3}

Read on to discover more about the open-source framework, including how to learn .NET online.

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Why learn .NET online?

The .NET platform is used by some of the largest enterprise organizations. Learning .NET prepares developers to help businesses build enterprise solutions that can handle large amounts of data and pivot quickly. For instance, applications built on Android can behave the same for iOS, MacOS, or Linux, meaning developers can create tools using .NET that maintain their integrity regardless of their users' preferred platforms. .NET platforms are scalable and flexible, offering organizations quicker developments and faster iterations.

Learning .NET online allows developers to grow their knowledge of the platform, offers individuals the flexibility of remote learning, and may provide a leg up to advance a career while tapping into a wide network of professionals in the field. Many .NET online courses include hands-on projects that give developers first-hand knowledge of .NET applications. Earning a .NET certification from .NET online courses can help programmers and developers expand their programming skills.

.NET course curriculum

There are multiple options for learning .NET-related programming, and many .NET classes award learners with certificates upon completion. A .NET course may include .NET application tutorials, lessons that break down the components of the .NET ecosystem (such as teaching Visual Studio), and time spent exploring advanced applications of .NET.

There are courses available to learn more about .NET-supported programming languages, such as C#. Some beginner-level courses teach students about the programming language and show them how to use their .NET training practically.

Learners can expand their knowledge of the .NET ecosystem by training in Xamarin or using Azure to supply a web application with artificial intelligence capabilities. They can also take a deep dive into model-view-controller programming and use ASP.NET core web applications to solve real-world problems.

Explore .NET jobs

.NET developers are relied upon for their ability to build .NET applications that are flexible and scalable. .NET jobs may include positions for software developers, software engineers, or computer programmers.

Online boot camps, and bachelor's and master's degree programs may support developers pursuing careers as .NET developers.

How to become a .NET developer online

Computer and information software developers typically hold at least a bachelor’s degree in computer science, computer engineering, or a related field.^{Footnote 4} Online coding boot camps or degree programs, such as online bachelor's degrees in computer and data science and online master's degrees in data science, can help lay the foundations for .NET developers’ careers.

Additional online .NET courses may cover topics such as coding languages, project management, web design, database interaction, or building websites and applications using .NET.

In addition to obtaining degrees and certifications, software developers typically possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills, creativity, attention to detail, and communication skills.

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.NET FAQ

What skills should a .NET developer have?

In addition to technical capabilities, a .NET developer typically has strong analytical skills, is able to communicate clearly, takes creative approaches to designing and improving software, is detail-oriented, possesses strong interpersonal skills, and excels at problem-solving.

Should you learn .NET?

Individuals can learn .NET if they want to gain the skills to design programs and applications using the .NET platform. Learning .NET may make developers more marketable to employers who currently use or could benefit from using the .NET platform to support their businesses.

Is .NET difficult to learn?

People without a coding, computer programming, or software development background may experience a learning curve when taking a .NET course. Furthermore, it may be challenging to keep up with the latest .NET innovations as the open-source framework evolves.

How long does it take to learn .NET?

It can take a few months to learn the .NET platform if an individual already has familiarity with some of the components that are used within the platform, such as coding languages and Visual Studio. However, it will likely take beginners longer if they are not familiar with the basics, including the C#, F#, and Visual Basic languages and Visual Studio.

Is Java or .NET better?

Java and .NET each have advantages and disadvantages. Java is both a programming language and a computer platform that is required to execute programs written in Java.^{Footnote 5} On the other hand, .NET is a developer platform that supports multiple coding languages. Both can be used on desktop computers, mobile devices, gaming systems, and other applications.

What is the future of .NET?

Developers wondering what's new with the .NET platform and if it's still worth the time to learn should keep in mind that the platform continues to grow. .NET development through open-source models is still going strong, and the .NET Foundation continues to innovate. Using the power of the .NET platform, businesses can launch enterprise solutions through web applications, seed databases for machine learning, and discover cross-platform solutions.

Last updated January 2024