.NET
The open-source runtime that runs .NET apps, plus its core libraries and the dotnet host.dotnet/runtime
- Stars
- 18.4k
- Forks
- 5.8k
- Licence
- MIT
- Language
- C#
- Last update
- 4 days ago
- Type
- Framework
What it is
This repository holds the source code for the .NET runtime, its class libraries, and the shared host (the dotnet command) that starts .NET apps. The README describes .NET as a cross-platform runtime for cloud, mobile, desktop, and IoT apps. Most people use it indirectly by installing official .NET releases and building apps with it.
- Browse the runtime and library source through the linked source index
- Follow the workflow guide to build and test the runtime from source
- Use the API reference and API catalog to look up .NET APIs
- Test nightly builds in your own project using the dogfooding guide
Great for
- Developers who want to read or contribute to the source of the .NET runtime and libraries
- Engineers investigating how a .NET API or runtime behavior works internally
- Contributors who want to test nightly builds via the dogfooding guide in the repo
- Developers following the .NET ecosystem who want to browse the source
Not ideal for
- People who only want to build a .NET app: the README points to official releases and docs for that, so installing a release is simpler than building this repo
- Beginners looking for a tutorial: the README links to external Microsoft learning resources instead of teaching material
- Anyone needing a binary download from this page: the latest release is listed with no binaries attached
How to get it
- 1
Clone and build from source
Clone the repository
git clone https://github.com/dotnet/runtime - 2
Run it
- Read the Workflow Instructions in docs/workflow/README.md for build steps
- Build the runtime and libraries following that guide
- Run the tests described in the workflow docs to confirm the build works
- 3
Get the most out of it
- Follow CONTRIBUTING.md to learn which contributions are welcome
- Use the .NET source index and apisof.net to explore APIs
- Read the dogfooding guide to test nightly builds in your own projects
- Join the .NET Discord to discuss development with the community
Downloads
Strengths
- Cross-platform scope as described in the README
- Licensed under MIT, which the README states explicitly
- Actively maintained, with a recent push and an official Microsoft/.NET Foundation project behind it
Trade-offs
- Building from source is a large, specialized process; the README sends you to separate workflow docs for it
- The README is largely navigation links, so detailed technical content lives elsewhere
- Primary use is through official .NET releases rather than this repo directly
How it compares
| Project | Stars | Type | Level | Updated | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| runtime (this) | 18.4k | Framework | advanced | 4 days ago | Developers who want to read or contribute to the source of the .NET runtime and libraries |
| aspnetcore | 38.5k | Library | intermediate | 4 days ago | C# and .NET developers building web apps or HTTP APIs |
| CleanArchitecture | 18.5k | Framework | intermediate | 2 months ago | C# developers starting a new ASP.NET Core project who want a structured layout |
| CleanArchitecture | 20.7k | Framework | intermediate | 4 days ago | Developers starting a new ASP.NET Core web app or Web API who want a structured layout |
| aspnetboilerplate | 12k | Framework | advanced | 11 days ago | C# developers already working in the ASP.NET Core ecosystem |
| BenchmarkDotNet | 11.5k | Library | intermediate | 5 days ago | .NET developers who want to compare two or more implementations of a method |
Stats synced from GitHub. The assessment above was drafted with AI from the project's README on 2026-10-29 and may miss recent changes — check the README before relying on a command. MIT licence: free to use, modify and distribute, including commercially, as long as you keep the copyright notice.