How to start as a .NET developer in 2025? What to LEARN and what to AVOID?

Summary

In this video, Bain offers valuable insights for aspiring .NET developers in 2025. He emphasizes the importance of learning C# and working with modern .NET versions (6+), while advising against using outdated languages like Visual Basic. He also stresses the importance of mastering ASP.NET MVC for web development, understanding database management with SQL Server, and deploying applications on Azure. With recommendations to focus on fundamental skills before moving to advanced technologies, Bain guides developers on how to build their career through hands-on projects and practical learning in the .NET ecosystem.

Takeaways

• 😀 C# is the preferred language for .NET development in 2025. Avoid using legacy languages like Visual Basic or F# for growth in your programming career.
• 😀 Focus on building web applications and learn ASP.NET MVC to grasp the core fundamentals of .NET development.
• 😀 Master the basics of web development such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, and get familiar with CSS libraries like Bootstrap or Tailwind.
• 😀 Understand core concepts like MVC (Model-View-Controller), routing, and how to work with controllers, APIs, and database interactions in .NET.
• 😀 Learn SQL Server and use Entity Framework Core for database interactions, as most .NET applications are built around SQL Server.
• 😀 Azure is crucial for modern deployment practices. Learn basic Azure services like Azure Blob Storage, Azure Functions, and Azure App Services for hosting applications in the cloud.
• 😀 Familiarize yourself with version control systems, particularly GitHub, to effectively manage and track your development projects.
• 😀 The .NET ecosystem is moving towards .NET Core (version 5 and beyond). Look for projects and jobs using these newer frameworks for better opportunities.
• 😀 Stay away from older .NET versions like .NET 3.5 or .NET 4.8. Stick to the latest versions of .NET for future-proofing your skills.
• 😀 For front-end development in .NET, after mastering MVC, consider learning popular JavaScript frameworks such as React or Vue.js to handle single-page applications (SPAs).
• 😀 Start building real projects, such as a CRUD web application using ASP.NET MVC, deploying it on Azure, and working with SQL databases to get hands-on experience.

Q & A

Why should a .NET developer focus only on C# in 2025?

C# is the primary language supported by .NET, and it offers the most opportunities for career growth. Legacy languages like Visual Basic and F# are outdated, and using them may limit your long-term career potential. Companies using these languages are often stuck on older technologies, so it is advisable to transition to C# for better job prospects.

What is the primary difference between .NET Core and older .NET versions?

.NET Core is a modern, open-source version of the .NET framework, while older versions like .NET Framework 4.8 are considered legacy. The .NET Core framework was rewritten to improve performance, cross-platform compatibility, and scalability. .NET 5 and later versions continue this evolution, with .NET 9 being the most current version as of 2025.

Why is it important to learn ASP.NET MVC first when starting with .NET web development?

ASP.NET MVC is the most widely used web application framework in .NET. It provides a solid foundation for understanding key programming concepts such as routing, models, views, controllers, and dependency injection. Mastering MVC helps developers grasp the basic structure of web applications before moving on to more complex technologies like Blazor or Razor Pages.

What are the essential front-end skills for a .NET developer?

A .NET developer should have a basic understanding of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. These technologies are fundamental to web development. Additionally, learning frameworks like Bootstrap or Tailwind CSS can help speed up front-end development. A good grasp of these front-end skills is crucial for building robust and visually appealing web applications.

Should I focus on desktop application development with .NET in 2025?

Desktop application development is increasingly becoming obsolete, especially with technologies like WPF and Windows Forms. While there may be some job openings in this area, the future job market is better suited for web development. Therefore, it's recommended to transition into web development, which offers more growth opportunities.

What role does SQL Server play in a .NET developer’s journey?

SQL Server is the most commonly used database in .NET applications, and understanding how to interact with it using Entity Framework Core is essential. SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) is the standard tool for managing and querying SQL databases in .NET environments, making it an important skill for any .NET developer.

How important is cloud deployment for .NET developers, and what should I learn about Azure?

Cloud deployment is critical in modern software development, and Azure is the preferred cloud platform for most .NET applications. Learning Azure services like Azure Blob Storage, Azure Functions, and Azure App Services for deployment will help you stay current with industry trends and improve your ability to deploy scalable, cloud-based applications.

What is the significance of learning Git and GitHub for a .NET developer?

Git and GitHub are essential tools for version control and collaboration in software development. Understanding the basics of Git allows you to manage code changes, collaborate with other developers, and track the history of your projects. Mastering these tools is crucial for maintaining code integrity and working efficiently in teams.

Should I learn JavaScript frameworks like React or Vue if I'm focusing on .NET development?

Yes, learning a JavaScript framework such as React or Vue is beneficial for a .NET developer. These frameworks are commonly used for front-end development in full-stack projects. Once you are comfortable with .NET MVC, learning one of these frameworks will help you integrate front-end functionality with .NET backend APIs, making you a more versatile developer.

What kind of first project should a new .NET developer build?

A great first project for a .NET developer is a simple CRUD (Create, Read, Update, Delete) application using ASP.NET MVC. This project will teach you how to interact with databases, handle user input, and build the core components of a web application. You should also aim to deploy the project to Azure with SQL Server for real-world experience.