With the tech world constantly evolving, Microsoft continues to enhance its .NET platform to keep up with modern application development needs. The release of .NET 9 is just around the corner, and it’s packed with exciting improvements. But how does it compare to .NET 8, and why should you consider switching?
In this article, we’ll break down the key differences between .NET 8 and .NET 9, why .NET 9 matters, and what you need to know as a beginner in software development.
What is .NET?
.NET is a free, open-source development platform developed by Microsoft. It allows developers to build applications for web, desktop, mobile, cloud, and more using languages like C#, F#, and Visual Basic.
.NET has gone through several versions, with each bringing better performance, new features, and improved developer experiences.
Key Differences Between .NET 8 and .NET 9
Microsoft released .NET 8 in November 2023 and .NET 9 in November 2024.
Let’s look at what’s new in .NET 9 compared to .NET 8.
1. Performance Improvements
.NET 8 already brought great performance boosts, but .NET 9 takes it even further. Microsoft has optimised runtime performance, especially for cloud-native and high-load applications. You’ll notice:
- Faster startup time
- Reduced memory usage
- Better Just-In-Time (JIT) compilation
2. Native AOT (Ahead-of-Time Compilation) Enhancements
.NET 9 improves support for Native AOT, which creates faster, self-contained executables. This is great for microservices, CLI tools, and performance-critical applications.
In .NET 9, Native AOT:
- Supports more project types
- Compiles faster
- Provides smaller output sizes
3. Better MAUI Support
MAUI (Multi-platform App UI) allows you to build apps for Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows with a single codebase. In .NET 9:
- MAUI becomes more stable
- Performance and tooling are much improved
- Developer experience is smoother across platforms
4. AI and ML Integration
.NET 9 introduces enhanced support for AI and machine learning using ONNX, TorchSharp, and integration with Azure AI. This opens doors for beginner developers to experiment with AI-powered applications more easily.
5. ASP.NET Core Improvements
ASP.NET Core is the web framework used in .NET. In .NET 9:
- Blazor gets better rendering and interactivity
- Web API performance is improved
- Streaming and SignalR updates make real-time apps more powerful
6. Simplified Cloud-Native Development
.NET 9 continues Microsoft’s push toward cloud-native development:
- Easier containerization
- Better support for Kubernetes and observability
- New diagnostics and logging tools
7. Language Enhancements (C# 13)
Although not final, .NET 9 is expected to ship with C# 13, bringing:
- More powerful pattern matching
- Improved lambda expressions
- Cleaner syntax for new developers
You may read this article - C# Programming FeaturesWhy You Should Use .NET 9 Over .NET 8
Here are some reasons to choose .NET 9:
1. Future-Proof Your Skills
.NET 9 is the latest and most supported version. Learning it helps you stay updated with the industry and prepares you for future development trends.
2. Better Developer Experience
From better error messages to faster build times, .NET 9 is focused on making developers more productive.
3. Improved Security
Each new version includes security patches and enhancements that make your applications safer by default.
4. Cloud-Ready and AI-Friendly
If you’re planning to build cloud-native or AI-powered apps, .NET 9 gives you a more mature and capable toolset.
Who Should Upgrade?
If you are:
- Starting a new project
- Building modern web or mobile apps
- Creating cloud services or microservices
- Interested in AI, ML, or native AOT
Then upgrading to .NET 9 is highly recommended.
Visual Studio Version for .NET 9
To work with .NET 9, you’ll need:
Visual Studio 2022 version 17.10 or later
This version includes built-in support for .NET 9 preview SDKs and tools.
You can also use Visual Studio Code with the latest C# and .NET SDK extensions.
Bonus
After .NET 9, what is next?
.NET 10 is about to be released in November 2025, as per the annual schedule by Microsoft. This version is expected to be LTS (Long Term Support).
.NET 10.0.100-preview.3, released on April 10, 2025.
Final Thoughts
.NET 9 builds on the strong foundation of .NET 8 and introduces features that make development faster, smarter, and more scalable. For beginner developers, it’s a great opportunity to learn the latest tools and techniques.
If you’re already familiar with .NET 8, moving to .NET 9 will feel smooth but rewarding. And if you’re just starting out, learning .NET 9 puts you one step ahead.
Keep an eye out for the official release, and start experimenting with the preview versions if you want to get a head start!
Keep Following: SharePointCafe.NET
