The document provides a history and overview of .NET and .NET Core. It discusses:
- The origins and evolution of .NET from 2000-2017, including key releases and frameworks.
- How .NET Core was introduced in 2016 as a cross-platform, open source and modular successor to .NET Framework focused on containers and microservices.
- The architectural differences between .NET Framework and .NET Core, with Core being optimized for Linux, macOS, Docker and cloud-based applications.
- Microsoft's increasing commitment to Linux and open source in recent years.