Discover .NET 9: A Detailed Preview of New Features
A Closer Look at the Features Shaping the Future of .NET
The future of .NET development has never looked brighter, and with the introduction of .NET 9, developers are poised to redefine what's possible. Microsoft and the .NET community are not just making incremental updates; they're delivering transformative changes across the board. From groundbreaking AI integrations to seamless cross-platform development, can .NET 9 can developer's dream come true? Well, the enhanced support for OpenAI and other open-source models, coupled with new tools like TensorPrimitives, solidifies .NET's position as the go-to framework for building intelligent applications. Bold statement there, I know, however, with strategic partnerships and a commitment to cutting-edge innovation, Microsoft is setting the stage for a new era of software development.
DotNet 9 also brings significant advancements in mobile and web development, security, and cloud-native applications. .NET MAUI keeps transforming mobile app development, allowing for native apps on both Android and iOS from a single codebase. Meanwhile, enhancements in ASP.NET Core streamline web development, with built-in support for OpenAPI and improved performance features. Security is also a top priority, with new encryption protocols and authentication enhancements ensuring robust protection. And of course, we can't forget about the cloud, and .NET 9's deep integration with Azure and support for scalable microservices architecture that aims to make it easier than ever to build and deploy powerful, scalable applications. Better be ready!
AI-Related Improvements & Partnerships
The integration of artificial intelligence into .NET applications has seen significant enhancements, particularly with .NET 9. Developers can look forward to more streamlined processes for incorporating AI, thanks to improved support and extensive libraries tailored for OpenAI and other open-source models, both hosted and local [2] [2] [3]. Microsoft's commitment to expanding AI capabilities in .NET is evident from their ongoing collaborations with AI ecosystem partners, which have resulted in advanced tools like Semantic Kernel and enhanced access to vector databases such as Qdrant and Milvus [2] [2]. Moreover, the introduction of TensorPrimitives in .NET has provided developers with more robust tools for building AI-driven applications, ensuring that .NET remains at the forefront of AI application development [2].
Microsoft's strategic partnerships have been crucial in advancing AI technologies within the .NET framework. The collaboration with OpenAI has been particularly impactful, allowing developers to leverage powerful AI tools like Microsoft Copilot in their applications [2] [2]. This partnership underscores Microsoft's strategy to integrate cutting-edge AI technologies with .NET, enhancing the platform's capabilities and making it a more attractive option for developers looking to build intelligent applications.
Cross-Platform Development Advancements
Mobile Development with MAUI
.NET 9 introduces significant enhancements in mobile application development, particularly through the .NET Multi-platform App UI (MAUI). This framework extends its capabilities beyond traditional desktop applications to include robust mobile solutions [5]. With .NET MAUI, you can develop native apps for both Android and iOS using a single codebase, simplifying the development process and reducing time to market [5].
A prime example of this is the ability to implement new soft keyboard inputs such as Password, Date, and Time on mobile devices, which are now supported in editor and entry controls within .NET MAUI 9 Preview 5 [6]. Moreover, the integration of Android 15 Beta 1 and the enhancements in NativeAOT for iOS & Mac Catalyst improve performance and compatibility across platforms [7].
ASP. NET Core & Desktop Development Enhancements
The advancements in web development within .NET 9 are equally impressive. The introduction of new features for WPF and WinForms, alongside enhanced capabilities in ASP.NET Core, marks significant progress [5]. These include improvements to Blazor for building interactive web applications, better support for SignalR, and streamlined processes for handling minimal APIs and authentication [8].
One of the standout enhancements is the built-in support for OpenAPI document generation, which simplifies the creation of well-defined APIs [7]. Additionally, the introduction of HybridCache and improvements in the developer exception page enhance the overall development experience and performance of web applications [7].
The .NET MAUI Blazor Hybrid and Web App project template, introduced in .NET 9 Preview 5, exemplifies Microsoft's commitment to cross-platform development. This template facilitates the creation of applications that can run on Android, iOS, Mac, Windows, and the web, maximizing code reuse and efficiency [9].
ASP.NET Core 9 also introduces enhancements aimed at boosting web performance. The framework now includes better code analysis tools that not only detect errors but also offer recommendations for optimizing your code. These tools are designed to ensure that your applications run smoothly and are free from common coding errors, thus improving overall performance and reliability [5].
Security Improvements
New Encryption Protocols
In the realm of cryptography, .NET 9 introduces significant advancements, particularly with the new one-shot hash method on the CryptographicOperations type and the implementation of the KMAC algorithm. The one-shot hash method simplifies the process of hashing data, enabling you to handle various cryptographic needs efficiently and securely [10]. This method is designed to optimize performance and minimize resource allocation, which is crucial in maintaining application speed and reliability.
Additionally, the KMAC algorithm, specified by NIST SP-800-185, is now supported in .NET 9. This algorithm enhances message authentication and pseudorandom generation capabilities, providing a robust framework for secure coding. It's available on platforms like Linux with OpenSSL 3.0 or later, and Windows 11 Build 26016 or later. The inclusion of classes like Kmac128, Kmac256, KmacXof128, and KmacXof256 allows developers to generate message authentication codes (MACs) efficiently or perform one-shot hashing over a single input data [10].
Authentication Enhancements
.NET 9 has made significant strides in improving authentication mechanisms, particularly with the OAuth and OpenID Connect (OIDC) authentication handlers. The introduction of the AdditionalAuthorizationParameters option is a game-changer, simplifying the customization of authorization message parameters typically included in the redirect query string. This enhancement allows you to add parameters like "prompt" for login or specify an "audience" URL with ease, without the need for cumbersome custom callbacks or method overrides [11].
For Windows authentication, the enhancements in HTTP.sys are particularly noteworthy. With properties like EnableKerberosCredentialCaching and CaptureCredentials, you can fine-tune how HTTP.sys handles authentication, optimizing performance and security. These properties facilitate the configuration of flags such as enabling Kerberos credential caching for improved performance and capturing user credentials during the authentication process [11].
.NET 9 for Cloud-Native Applications
Cloud Integration Enhancements
.NET 9 marks a significant leap forward in cloud-native application development, with a strong emphasis on seamless cloud integration. The introduction of .NET Aspire, a cloud-ready stack, simplifies the creation of observable, production-ready, distributed applications. This stack is delivered through a series of NuGet packages that address specific cloud-native concerns, making it easier for you to develop applications that are both scalable and maintainable [8][2][3]. Additionally, the integration with Microsoft Azure has been deeply enhanced in .NET 9 Preview 4, allowing for effortless deployment of applications using Azure Functions, Logic Apps, and more. This integration ensures that your applications can leverage the full range of Azure's capabilities to enhance functionality and performance [5][5].
Scalability Improvements
Scalability is a cornerstone of .NET 9, particularly with the enhancements in containerization and microservices architecture. The updated platform supports Docker and Kubernetes more robustly, enabling you to deploy scalable microservices with ease. This improvement is crucial for applications requiring high availability and elasticity [5]. Furthermore, the .NET runtime has been optimized to include numerous performance enhancements such as loop optimizations and inlining improvements, which contribute to faster execution and better resource management in scalable applications [8]. The Azure Container Apps service has also been tailored to ensure that .NET 9 applications can scale dynamically within a Kubernetes-based environment, addressing challenges such as encrypted ephemeral data and optimized rate limiting APIs for better performance across nodes [2].
These advancements in .NET 9 not only streamline the development process but also significantly reduce the distance between development and production, ensuring that your cloud-native applications are both powerful and efficient. By utilizing these new capabilities, you can build applications that are ready to meet the demands of modern digital ecosystems, with reduced cost and complexity.
AI and ML Integrations
AI Libraries and SDKs
.NET 9 introduces significant enhancements in AI integration, notably through the expansion of ML.NET and partnerships with major AI providers. ML.NET 4.0, an open-source, cross-platform framework, now supports additional tokenizer models such as Tiktoken and Llama, as well as the CodeGen model, enabling more sophisticated machine learning capabilities within your .NET applications [8][8]. The framework's integration with Azure Open AI, highlighted by the popular Microsoft Copilot, exemplifies Microsoft's commitment to providing developers with powerful tools to incorporate AI into their applications. This ongoing collaboration aims to streamline the implementation of AI solutions, enhancing both the development experience and the capabilities of applications [2].
Future Prospects for .NET 9 and Beyond
As we look towards the future of .NET, the release of .NET 9 marks a significant milestone, setting the stage for continued innovation and development. With .NET 9 already in preview, your feedback is crucial to shaping its evolution, ensuring that it meets the dynamic needs of modern software development [2].
Expected Final Release Improvements
The final release of .NET 9 is anticipated to bring even more refinements. You can expect performance optimizations, advanced features, and critical bug fixes, further solidifying .NET as a robust framework for developing modern applications. These improvements are designed to streamline your development process and enhance the capabilities of your applications [5].
.NET Aspire, a key component of the .NET ecosystem, continues to evolve. Preview 3 of .NET Aspire includes significant UI enhancements and expanded component support for Azure OpenAI, Kafka, Oracle, MySQL, CosmosDB, and Orleans. This integration demonstrates Microsoft's commitment to providing a comprehensive, cloud-ready stack that addresses the unique challenges of building distributed, scalable applications [2][8].
As .NET continues to integrate with cutting-edge technologies, the focus remains on cloud-native and intelligent app development. The forthcoming updates are expected to bring substantial investments in performance, productivity, and security, ensuring that .NET remains at the forefront of technological advancements [2].
The collaboration with industry giants like Canonical and Red Hat is set to enhance the versatility of .NET, ensuring it performs optimally across different environments. This partnership underscores the platform's adaptability and its readiness to meet the diverse requirements of developers worldwide [2].
In summary, the future of .NET is geared towards making it even easier for developers to integrate artificial intelligence and manage cloud-native applications efficiently. With ongoing enhancements and community feedback, .NET is poised to continue its legacy as a powerful tool for building enterprise-level applications [2].
Conclusion
Throughout this recap into the new features of .NET 9, we've delved into the myriads of features and enhancements that signify a leap towards more innovative, efficient, and robust application development. The introduction of advancements across various aspects, from the language enhancements in C# 13 (expect a full article here about C# 13 very soon) aimed at improving coding efficiency to .NET 9's focus on cloud-native applications, AI integration, and cross-platform development, highlights a strategic move towards meeting the challenges of modern digital ecosystems. These updates not only promise to elevate the developer experience but also pave the way for pioneering applications that can seamlessly adapt to the evolving demands of users and industries alike.
As the landscape of software development continues to evolve at an unprecedented pace, the enhancements introduced in .NET 9 serve as a beacon for developers navigating through the complexities of modern application development. By leveraging these advancements, developers are equipped with the tools they need to build more dynamic, secure, and scalable solutions.
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References
[1] - https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/dotnet/csharp/whats-new/csharp-13
[2] - https://devblogs.microsoft.com/dotnet/our-vision-for-dotnet-9/
[3] - https://visualstudiomagazine.com/Articles/2024/02/26/net-9-preview-1.aspx
[4] - https://www.infoworld.com/article/3713024/cloud-and-ai-apps-take-center-stage-in-net-9.html
[5] - https://dev.to/bytehide/exploring-net-9-preview-4-all-you-need-to-know-3mop
[6] - https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/dotnet/maui/whats-new/dotnet-9?view=net-maui-8.0
[7] - https://visualstudiomagazine.com/Articles/2024/05/28/net-9-preview-4.aspx
[8] - https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/dotnet/core/whats-new/dotnet-9/overview
[9] - https://visualstudiomagazine.com/Articles/2024/06/20/net-9-preview-5.aspx
[10] - https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/dotnet/core/whats-new/dotnet-9/libraries
[11] - https://medium.com/c-sharp-progarmming/asp-net-core-9-0-authentication-and-authorization-enhancements-4a8e248baf61
[12] - https://dotnetcopilot.com/net-9-preview-new-features-and-updates/
[13] - https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/dotnet/core/whats-new/dotnet-9/runtime