A new week, a new framework version!
You just finished developing your new application using what you thought was a version of a popular framework that you hoped would be around for more than a few months. You’ve deployed into production, fixed forward and your users are ‘happy’. Time for a break, go to that conference you couldn’t attend last year, maybe even a vacation?
You start doom-scrolling through X (or your online media platform of choice) only to stumble across an announcement of a new framework version which has all the features you would have liked in the one you used…
The thought of upgrading to the latest version can be daunting, time-consuming and costly but we get why it not only needs to be done but it’s also the right thing to do.
You could use the updated version to add that feature that never got off the backlog. You could rest easier knowing that your security is just that bit more…secure. You can say “yes we can” to the product owner who has a great idea of how to increase revenue.
Staying up to date with your framework of choice is hard but necessary. If only your adoption process is as smooth, secure and effective as possible you would be happy to take on the challenge.
At NashTech we understand the complexities and challenges involved in staying up-to-date and we would like to share our experience and recommendations with you.
Specifically, some thoughts on adopting the latest version of the .NET framework.
.NET is a versatile and powerful framework developed by Microsoft, widely used for building, and running applications across various platforms. It has consistently evolved to meet the ever-changing demands of the technology landscape, providing developers with the tools they need to create high-performance, secure, and scalable applications.
Challenges with .NET 6
Despite its advantages, .NET Framework (FW) has limitations, such as limited Object-Relational (OR) support, challenges in incorporating non-Microsoft tools, security vulnerabilities, and costly maintenance.
.NET 8 – a new era
In November 2023, Microsoft released .NET 8, the latest Long-Term Support (LTS) version. .NET 8 introduces numerous enhancements, stability and security upgrades, and improvements to platform and tooling, all geared towards enhancing developer productivity and fostering innovation.
Upgrading to .NET 8 promises performance improvements, cross-platform development, access to an open-source codebase, and other enhancements. However, orchestrating this change securely and effectively is crucial. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process.
Challenges upgrading to .NET 8
Let’s start with challenges, that need to be identified and mitigated.
- Library compatibility: One of the challenges lies in ensuring compatibility with libraries used in existing applications. Certain libraries may not be accessible in .NET 8, prompting the need to identify and substitute them with appropriate alternatives. Moreover, adapting certain functionalities to the new environment may necessitate adopting different approaches (i.e., converting Webforms to MVC razor page or single-page application (SPA) requires using front-end libraries e.g. ReactJS or Angular which leads to different approaches for front-end pages migration).
- API compatibility: .NET 8 has a lot of changes to the API compared to the .NET FW. Consequently, certain components of the original application may require modification to conform to the new API structure. This may entail rewriting code or adjusting to accommodate variances in API functionality and usage.
- Code refactoring: Upgrading to .NET 8 comes with new behaviour patterns, causing differences between the APIs of the two frameworks. For example, .NET 8 might lack certain classes or methods, prompting you to rewrite the sections of the code that apply to them. In other words, refactoring the existing code is necessary.
- Configuration and deployment: The configuration and deployment procedures may need adjustments to function optimally in .NET 8 environments. This may entail adapting configuration settings, revising deployment scripts, and ensuring compatibility with the new infrastructure. For example, .NET 8 may require a new runtime library that the old virtual machine may not support. Another example is the necessity of an additional virtual machine for hosting in case of the migration to SPA. The new environment is on demand based on final migration solutions
- Cost: Transitioning to .NET 8 demands time and resources for extensive testing, code refactoring, and necessary adjustments. Thorough planning and efficient resource allocation are crucial to prevent delays and budget overruns during the migration process.
Handy Tips
After gaining full awareness of the challenges, additional steps should be considered for better understanding and planning.
- Assess compatibility: Before doing the migration process, it's imperative to assess the compatibility of the current codebase with .NET 8. Employ tools such as the .NET Portability Analyser, which identifies any APIs, libraries, or features that may not be supported in .NET 8. This analysis offers valuable insights into potential challenges, empowering you to make necessary adjustments effectively.
- Review APIs: Perform a comprehensive review of platform-specific dependencies or APIs that require replacement. Recognise that .NET 8 features a distinct set of APIs compared to .NET FW, mandating code refactoring to integrate compatible alternatives. Whenever feasible, capitalise on cross-platform libraries and APIs to ensure smooth compatibility across different environments.
- Update libraries: Ensure the compatibility of libraries utilised in the system with .NET 8. Verify if there are updates or newer versions available that support .NET 8 and update dependencies accordingly. In cases where a library lacks a compatible version, explore alternative options, or reach out to the library vendor for assistance.
- Establish test coverage: Develop a comprehensive test suite to validate the functionality and integrity of the system post-migration. Automated tests play a crucial role in identifying any regressions or issues that may arise during the migration process. Ensure thorough testing of all critical paths and meticulously validate the system's behaviour to guarantee its reliability and stability.
- Validate and deploy: Conduct extensive testing on the migrated system to confirm its functionality aligns with expectations. Validate that all critical functionalities operate correctly. Once you are confident in the stability of the migrated system, proceed with its deployment to the production environment.
Getting help
Not everyone has the time to do the analysis, planning and execution of an upgrade. Usually, you are busy developing new features or dealing with day-to-day support.
Why not get a trusted partner who has the time and experience, we’ve done this lots of times, to help. We specialise in upgrading legacy systems, offering tailored .NET 8 migration services.
Our mission is to ensure a seamless upgrade experience for our clients, including you.
NashTech has been a Microsoft Gold Partner and Solution Partner for almost 20 years. We have over 400 Microsoft software engineers and architects including three Microsoft most valuable professionals (MVP), we are very confident to help your organisation, not only with .NET upgrades but also a range of Microsoft technologies & challenges: .NET modernisation, Azure migration, re-architecture, platform engineering and devOps transformation.