Which Version of .NET Should you Use at This Time?

One of the most crucial choices when beginning a new project is selecting the appropriate version of.NET. Developers frequently inquire:

• In 2026, which version of.NET should I use?
• Should I use STS or.NET LTS?
• Does the.NET Framework have any use today?

Based on Microsoft's support strategy and actual development scenarios, we'll address these questions in this post and assist you in selecting the.NET version you should use at this time.

Understanding .NET Versions: LTS vs STS

Microsoft releases a new version of .NET every year, following a predictable lifecycle.

What Is LTS (Long-Term Support)?

• Supported for 3 years

• Includes security patches and stability fixes

• Recommended for production and enterprise applications

What Is STS (Standard-Term Support)?

• Supported for 18 months

• Includes the latest runtime and language features

• Best for learning, experimentation, and short-term projects

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Latest .NET Versions You Can Use Today

.NET 8 (LTS) — Recommended for Most Applications

.NET 8 is the latest Long-Term Support version and the best choice for most developers.

Use .NET 8 if you are:

• Building a new production application

• Developing ASP.NET Core Web APIs

• Creating enterprise-level software

• Working on cloud-native or microservices-based systems

Key Benefits of .NET 8:

• Long-term Microsoft support

• Performance improvements

• Better container and cloud optimization

• Stable ecosystem and tooling

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.NET 8, .NET LTS, ASP.NET Core, enterprise application

.NET 9 (STS) — For Learning and Early Adoption

.NET 9 is a Standard-Term Support release focused on innovation.

Use .NET 9 if you:

• Want to explore new C# and runtime features

• Are building proof-of-concept (POC) applications

• Plan to upgrade frequently

Not recommended for long-term production systems due to its shorter support window.

.NET Framework — Only for Legacy Maintenance

.NET Framework is still used in older applications, but it is not suitable for new development.

Use only if:

• You are maintaining an existing legacy system

• Migration to modern .NET is not currently possible

❌ No cross-platform support ❌ No major feature updates

Which .NET Version Should You Choose? (Quick Guide)?

Project Type	Recommended .NET Version
New production app	.NET 8 (LTS)
Enterprise application	.NET 8 (LTS)
Learning C# and .NET	.NET 8 or .NET 9
Prototype / POC	.NET 9
Legacy app maintenance	.NET Framework

Final Recommendation

If you are starting a new project today, the answer is simple:

Use .NET 8 (LTS).

It provides the best balance of performance, stability, and long-term support, making it ideal for real-world applications.

Conclusion

Choosing the correct .NET version can save you significant time and effort in the future. While STS releases are exciting, LTS versions remain the safest choice for production environments.

Stay updated, but build smart.

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