ASP.NET vs. ASP.NET Core vs. JavaScript vs. WebContainers Comparison Chart

Millions of developers use or have used ASP.NET 4.x to create web apps. ASP.NET Core is a redesign of ASP.NET 4.x, including architectural changes that result in a leaner, more modular framework. ASP.NET Core 3.x and later can only target .NET Core. Generally, ASP.NET Core is composed of .NET Standard libraries. Libraries written with .NET Standard 2.0 run on any .NET platform that implements .NET Standard 2.0. There are several advantages to targeting .NET Core, and these advantages increase with each release. Tag Helpers enable server-side code to participate in creating and rendering HTML elements in Razor files. Built-in support for multiple data formats and content negotiation lets your web APIs reach a broad range of clients, including browsers and mobile devices.

WebContainers, developed by StackBlitz, are a browser-based runtime environment that enables the execution of Node.js applications and operating system commands directly within a web browser tab. This technology allows developers to build instant, interactive coding experiences, from tutorials to full-fledged integrated development environments, without the need for local setups or cloud-based virtual machines. By running entirely client-side, WebContainers offer unmatched user experiences with zero latency, offline capabilities, and enhanced security, as they eliminate the risks associated with server-side code execution. They support native Node.js toolchains, including npm, pnpm, and yarn, and are compatible with major modern frameworks. Additionally, WebContainers facilitate the running of WebAssembly (Wasm) out of the box, allowing for the porting of various languages and frameworks to the browser environment.