Why is .NET 5 a bit of a special version?

.NET 5 is a special version because it marks a significant milestone in the evolution of the .NET platform by unifying the .NET ecosystem. Before .NET 5, there were different .NET implementations, such as .NET Framework, .NET Core, and Xamarin, each targeting different types of applications, platforms, and devices. This fragmentation could create confusion and challenges for developers in choosing the right implementation and sharing code or libraries across projects.

With the release of .NET 5, the different .NET implementations are combined into one unified platform that provides a consistent set of APIs, libraries, tools, and runtime components. This new platform is designed to work seamlessly across various application types, including web, desktop, mobile, cloud, gaming, IoT, and more, as well as multiple platforms, such as Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android.

Improved performance and reduced memory footprint: .NET 5 incorporates significant performance improvements, leading to faster execution and reduced memory consumption in applications.

Single file applications: .NET 5 allows bundling an application and its dependencies into a single executable file, making deployment and distribution easier.