How to Check .NET Core Versions

Sunday, 3 August 2025

How to Check .NET Core Versions

What is the latest version of .NET Core?

.NET Core versioning scheme

The .NET Core versioning scheme follows a structured approach, which is essential for maintaining clarity and consistency across its releases. This scheme is crucial given the platform’s broad use for developing cloud-native, cross-platform, and IoT applications.

Major, minor, patch overview:

Major version: Incremented annually, this version signals significant product changes, including new features, API-breaking changes, and major dependency updates. Notably, even-numbered major versions like .NET 6 and .NET 8 are long-term supported (LTS), providing three years of support. In contrast, odd-numbered versions receive standard-term support (STS) with 18 months of updates.
Minor version: Increased when new behaviors or public APIs are introduced, along with non-breaking enhancements, this increment may also reflect the adoption of a newer minor version of an existing dependency.
Patch version: Adjusted for bug fixes, new platform support, or minor updates in dependencies. It represents maintenance updates that do not alter the API surface area or introduce new features.

The .NET Runtime adheres to semantic versioning (SemVer), denoted as MAJOR.MINOR.PATCH[-PRERELEASE-BUILDNUMBER]. This method ensures each version number clearly communicates the extent and nature of changes, aiding developers in understanding the impact of upgrades.

LTS (Long-Term Support):

Long-Term Support (LTS) versions of .NET Core are designed to provide extended stability and support. These versions are released every two years and offer three years of free support and patches.

LTS versions are typically even-numbered (e.g., .NET 6, .NET 8) and are essential for environments where long-term stability and reliability are critical. LTS versions are often chosen for enterprise applications due to their extended maintenance window, ensuring that applications remain secure and stable without frequent major updates.

Benefits of LTS:

Stability: Provides a reliable and consistent environment over an extended period.
Extended Support: Offers a three-year support window with patches and updates.
Reduced Risk: Minimizes disruptions from major changes and breaking updates.

LTS (Long-Term Support):

Long-Term Support (LTS) versions of .NET Core are designed to provide extended stability and support. These versions are released every two years and offer three years of free support and patches.

Benefits of LTS:

Stability: Provides a reliable and consistent environment over an extended period.
Extended Support: Offers a three-year support window with patches and updates.
Reduced Risk: Minimizes disruptions from major changes and breaking updates.