How to Migrate a Project from ASP.NET MVC to ASP.NET Core?

Updated 07 Feb 2024
Published 29 Jan 2024
Gaurav Sharma 1354 Views
ASP.NET MVC to ASP.NET Core Migration

ASP.NET MVC is an open-source framework designed for developing web applications on Microsoft’s Windows platforms using a model-view-controller architecture.

However, ASP.NET Core is an advanced cross-platform web development framework that allows developers to develop applications across Windows, Mac OSX, Linux, iOS, and Android platforms with less maintenance-intensive and higher-performing applications than the MVC framework.

Furthermore, its flexible features make ASP.NET Core an attractive solution.

Microsoft provides two versatile frameworks for software development for business applications: .Net Core and Framework. Both offer features specifically adapted to these environments and should provide businesses with what they need when building custom business apps.

As is generally known, Core is the latest framework for application development, while the traditional one, the .NET Framework, remains.

Companies planning to build a high-performance application will undoubtedly recognize .NET Core as it gains more traction due to its flexibility across different platforms, superior performance, and many advanced features.

Developers who previously relied on the old .NET Framework are increasingly migrating their applications to .NET Core for increased functionality.

For a successful ASP Net MVC to ASP Net Core migration, it is vital that you are well-versed in and implement all the steps involved. This article offers a complete guide for effectively migrating Net Framework to Core.

.NET Framework and .NET Core

Microsoft developed and released its proprietary.NET Framework software framework in conjunction with their Windows OS, its successor, .Net Core, which was more recently launched to address any shortcomings.

StackOverflow’s 2021 survey for developers indicates that Microsoft.NET and ASP.Net Core frameworks are among the most frequently employed for software-driven development projects.

Even though.NET Framework is the traditional and tested version of.NET, Microsoft recently unveiled .NET Core as a revolutionary alternative designed to address its weaknesses. The switch could allow developers to take advantage of cutting-edge technological developments.

Download it free Core is an open-source framework developed specifically to aid developers in creating modern apps on multiple platforms: Windows, Linux, and macOS. It was specifically created as an aid for building modern software apps.

ASP.NET MVC to ASP.NET Core Migration

Architectural Differences Between ASP.NET and .NET Core

Although there are some similarities between syntax and programming models, there are many differences between ASP.NET MVC and ASP.NET Core in their underlying structures.

ASP.NET Core is an open-source, modular, cross-platform, and lightweight framework offering more performance and greater ability to scale.

In contrast to ASP.NET, which is based primarily on System.Web.dll and is tightly connected to IIS, ASP.NET Core generally relies on Kestrel as its Kestrel web server. It can be hosted on various operating systems, like Linux and macOS.

The middleware pipeline provides a second fundamental architectural distinction. Within ASP.NET Core, the pipeline is completely customizable and lets developers configure specific middleware components according to what they need.

Reasons to Migrate to .NET Core

.NET Core comes with several new capabilities and upgrades. Here are some benefits of ASP.Net core migration for businesses.

  • Containers and Microservices

We can utilize .Net Core with containers. Packing your app into containers and putting it anywhere is easy. Microservices can also be used using .Net Core. It is a style of software architecture that breaks applications down into independent, small services.

It lets you build applications in small pieces that are more manageable. It’s more complex than utilizing an extensive program but easier than creating one huge application.

  • Non-Deterministic Finalizers

Finalizers assist in cleaning up memory after the deletion of objects. However, they sometimes perform differently than planned and sometimes don’t even run!

This has caused many developers not to use them at all because it’s not easy to determine how long it’ll take for a finalizer to function. The positive side is that .NET Core has removed finalizers completely!

ASP.NET development services are the best alternative to moving away from .NET Framework to .NET Core.

  • Highly Scalable

Your application can be run on several machines as a cluster. This is beneficial for applications or sites that require processing power. If you’ve ever utilized cloud-based services like Amazon Web Services or Microsoft Azure, you are aware of the value of these services.

When you use .NET Core, you can build similar systems with less effort. It’s unnecessary to think about establishing load balancers or servers; it’s all taken care of for you.

  • Non-Blocking

You’ll need a non-blocking program if you plan to develop an application that can run at high speeds without overloading servers or causing slowdowns to other programs.

Simply put, a non-blocking code is a way to ensure that your program isn’t locked when it comes to requests or data transfers.

It’s well-run, handles every request in isolation from others, and releases resources when required. Net Core comes with a brand-new set of APIs, enabling developers to create applications that are not blocked. You can also utilize these APIs in earlier versions of .Net.

Also Read: How can ASP.NET Core revolutionize the Financial Sector?

Steps to migrate from ASP.NET MVC to ASP.NET Core

You may be wondering how to migrate ASP.Net MVC to Asp.Net Core, but first you should evaluate whether the current application used in the company is suitable to migrate.

If the selected application has the features that .NET Core supports, it will be much simpler to go through the transition process.

  • Analyze Dependencies

Before beginning the migration process, you should review the system’s background, the codebase size, dependence on particular Windows features, and compatibility with third-party libraries.

You can utilize Microsoft’s .NET Portability Analyzer tool to examine the dependencies of a specific application and references to projects. Furthermore, with the tool, you can determine the APIs not included in .NET Core.

  • Assess Compatibility

Next, review the current .NET Framework used for web application development to determine whether compatibility issues, dependencies, or other issues could hinder the move.

  • Migration Strategy

After you’ve identified compatibility and dependencies of yourASP.NET Core MVC project, it’s time to develop an outline of the process, resources, and timeline needed for porting from ASP.NET

  • MVC to ASP.NET Core.

Remember to describe the steps and possible dangers involved in the migration process. Using smaller modules or components is suggested before moving to the complete application.

  • Choose the Right Tools

Various tools and resources can automate and ease the process of moving. As previously mentioned, it is possible to use the .NET Portability Analyzer by Microsoft, a tool that can help you determine the compatibility of a program in conjunction with .NET Core.

Also, think about using the resources and guidance offered through Microsoft to get valuable insight and tips for a successful transition.

  • Update Code

If .NET Core does not support your app’s features, it is recommended that you alter the codebase to make your ASP.Net Core web app compliant. Replace or update any dependencies, third-party libraries, or other software incompatible with .NET Core.

  • Contact developers and ask for their assistance. Because .NET Core is open-source and developers voluntarily work without compensation, it is important to be aware of the time they spend and effort.
  • Visit nuget.org and look for a package that will provide the same functions as the one your business currently uses.
  • Try writing code that accomplishes the same thing as the package.
  • Migrate Configuration and Settings

This is the most important process, which involves transferring settings for applications, configuration files, and other environment-specific settings to their corresponding .NET Core equivalents.

  • Migration to ASP.NET MVC

Follow these steps to move between ASP.Net and .Net Core:

Create a new ASP.NET project using the appropriate type for your specific project, like ASP.NET Core Web API, ASP.NET Core Blank, and ASP.NET Core Web Application. The framework you are targeting should have .NET 5.

  • Make sure you’re global.asax.cs code is up-to-date.
  • It is best to move all of your existing classes and controllers to the following structure of your project. Also, think about changing all of your API classes for controllers.
  • If you find any Nuget or reference errors, correct the issue.
  • If you’re using handlers, think about switching the handlers in .NET Middleware.
  • Transfer your web-based setting settings into appsettings.json.
  • Last, you should eliminate your old projects and unneeded documents.
  • Transfer Data

You must transfer the database data to the new application if your application includes databases. Visual Studio’s export and ‘Import’ tools allow you to move data effortlessly. You can also use the Generate Scripts feature to create an SQL script and transfer existing data.

  • Test and Debug

The migration process doesn’t stop with the transfer of application settings, settings files, and configurations specific to the environment to .NET core equivalents.

In addition, you need to test the newly migrated application thoroughly for any problems or bugs that may be discovered during the migration process.

Also, you must perform thorough testing and quality assurance to identify and correct problems with compatibility or performance.

  • Deploy

Once you have deployed the newly migrated application to the environment you want, monitoring its performance is important to ensure it is working properly in the latest .NET Core application development framework.

Revolutionary Changes in Migration From .NET Framework to .NET Core

The transition into ASP.NET Core can present several problems due to the radically different changes made in the last version. A few of the most common problems are:

  • API differences:

.NET Core does not support all the APIs available within the .NET Framework. Therefore, developers must seek alternatives or third-party libraries to bridge the gap.

In the process of transferring, developers must closely examine the codebase to determine if it relies on outdated APIs or non-supported features.

  • Platform-specific Dependencies:

Because .NET Core supports cross-platform development, changing or modifying specific platforms in your codebase is possible.

  • NuGet Versions of Packages:

NuGet packages in use may not work to .NET Core or require modifications to function effectively. Developers should ensure that all the necessary packages are in place and sync with the .NET Core ecosystem before moving on to the migration.

  • Changes to the Configuration:

The configuration system of .NET Core is different from the .NET Framework system, which requires modifications in the code for configuration. Developers must be vigilant in updating and testing the configuration of their applications to prevent runtime issues.

Tips to Follow to Ensure Successful Migration to ASP.NET Core

Moving the ASP.NET application to ASP.Net MVC project has various issues that must be addressed to ensure a smooth transition.

In this section, we’ll go into the strategies to ensure the migration into .NET Core is smooth while minimizing risk and maximizing the benefits of the change.

  • Integration Tests

While you upgrade to NET Core, it’s crucial to run integration tests to ensure that the protocols used by the application layer, such as HTTP or FTP, are working correctly.

These tests will help you identify compatibility issues that could arise from changes to the framework or libraries used to build it.

For instance, when transitioning to HTTP-based APIs, developers must verify the endpoints’ functionality, response handling, and response format.

In the same way, for programs that utilize FTP to transfer files, integration tests must verify that uploads and downloads of files continue to function as planned.

  • Option for .NET Core Migration

If you are thinking about NET Core migration, development teams have two main alternatives:

  • Slice-by-Slice migration:

The way to do this is to split the application into small slices. Each slice is moved using an incremental method. This method helps transfer the application slowly and makes it simpler to resolve any problems.

  • Layer-by-Layer migration:

In this method, the entire layer of an application is transferred one layer at a time. This approach is appropriate for applications with clearly defined layers and a few interdependencies.

The decision-making process between these two approaches depends on the project’s complexity, team knowledge, and the company’s risk tolerance. In certain situations, trying both approaches to speed up the process of achieving your migration goals is possible.

  • Preserve Application Code Structure

To speed up the migration process, it is crucial to maintain the structure of the application’s code while developing.

This makes it easier to perform smooth merging and branch comparisons in the migration process. It also makes it easier to identify any problems arising from code modifications.

Developers can utilize version control methods to build feature branches to aid in the migration process. The branches should align with the current code structure to ensure that updates and changes can be easily monitored and reviewed before being merged into the central branch.

  • Refactor the Application

Before beginning the migration process, changing how you structure your application to your current branch of development is highly advised.

This means cleaning the code, eliminating deprecated APIs, and fixing any defects in the design. Refactoring is an excellent way to prepare for the migration and makes it easier to manage the process.

  • Test the Migration

Testing is crucial in the process of migration. This includes:

  • Unit Test: Test the individual components to ensure that their functionality is in place. This ensures that the migration does not affect the key features and functionality.
  • Integrity Testing Test the interaction between the various components. This will allow you to identify any problems arising from changes in the modules’ interdependencies.
  • Test Performance: Test the performance of your application with different workloads. This is a way to confirm that the application performs as per requirements following migration.
  • UAT will engage stakeholders to verify the app’s behavior from their point of view. This will inform you that the new application aligns with the company’s goals and meets user expectations.

how to migrate ASP.NET MVC to ASP.NET Core

The Key Takeaway

Moving the .NET Framework to .NET Core can give your business various advantages, such as access to a larger workforce and cost savings, compatibility across platforms, more flexibility, built-in cloud-based features, and much more.

But, in order to migrate ASP Net MVC to ASP Net Core, it is essential to understand the entire migration process and overcome various challenges to make the most of .NET Core.

You should hire dot net developers since they’re experts at assessing compatibility, evaluating APIs, building libraries, employing advanced migration tools, and planning the entire migration process.

But do not forget to follow the steps and procedures mentioned above to effortlessly switch between the .NET framework and .NET Core and benefit from its outstanding capabilities.

Gaurav Sharma

Gourav Sharma is a Digital Marketing Strategist at Arka Softwares, a leading web development company. He has 2 years of experience in the Information Technology industry. He spends his time reading about new trends in Digital Marketing and the latest app development technologies.

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