[StackAttack]

Okay, does anyone know the best .NET Framework version to use to make an application have a balance between all the new and amazing functionality of the framework (Newer updates) and the compatibility between most computers .NET Versions?

[Snoweyes]

I dont really know the statistics but most of the time i go with .NET 4.0.

[if not true then false]

Most computers now have 4.5.1 but I would aim for 4.0 if you want the large majority of people

[GhostCode]

That really depends on what you plan to code :)
I personally would go with 2.0 do to the high compatibility since most things you can
accomplish with .Net fw 4.0+ you can also achieve with 2.0 with a bit of workaround and
good third party libraries.
For example Linq can also be used under .Net fw 2.0 with a few tricks. (Linqbridge)
But obviously it really depends on what you plan to code.
If you need Parallel Computing I would go with 4.0.
Here is a list of a few changes which come with the .net fw 4.0 :

• https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library....100).aspx
  


• https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library....100).aspx
  

[Jopper]

The .NET framework that solves many little work-arounds for 2.0 would certainly be 3.5
Using 2.0 means you will have high compatibility but you may have to use many work-arounds or you will likely encounter a situation requiring a programming abomination. You will also lack many modern features.
Using 3.5 also means high compatibility, as most machines that have the .NET framework will often be updated at least to 3.5
v3.5 introduces many nice new features (msdn microsoft com/en-us/library/bb332048(v=vs.90) aspx).
Though popularity is increasing, many machines still do not have the .NET framework installed at a version up to 4.0 or higher... I still love to use v4.0 because of the huge improvements to parallelization and threading.
I would go for v3.5 if compatibility is more important than the big benefits offered in v4.0 & v4.5

[pille]

what about windows 8 and .NET framework 2.0 ? its pre-installed ?

[Odus]

This should help you decide which framework to target: https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb822049.aspx

what about windows 8 and .NET framework 2.0 ? its pre-installed ?

All editions of Windows XP and up have 2.0 installed by default.

[0xDEAD10CC]

Go with .NET framework 4.6 ;)

[rstylecstacy]

go for dot net 4.0. unless he is using windows xp..

[0xDEAD10CC]

go for dot net 4.0. unless he is using windows xp..

Lol... Why exactly? Because it's your favorite floating point number or? 🤨

You don't think the HttpClient class is useful? :S

[StackAttack]

Go with .NET framework 4.6 ;)

I wish lol, maybe one of these days

[Ban]

Go with .NET framework 4.6 ;)

Psh, peasants, I'm using .Net framework 6.9

[pille]

All editions of Windows XP and up have 2.0 installed by default.

Freshly installed Windows 8 ... I get this error:

hps://i-msdn.sec.s-msft.com/dynimg/IC556828.png (replace with tt)

Thats mean .NET framework 2.0 isn´t pre-installed on windows 8 ??

[He B TeMy]

This should help you decide which framework to target: https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb822049.aspx

All editions of Windows XP and up have 2.0 installed by default.

Windows XP by default doesn't. The others you have to rely on backwards compatibility since i believe none of them unless vista comes with .net 3.5. (i believe.)

go for dot net 4.0. unless he is using windows xp..

4.0 is available on xp.

[Zilog80]

Freshly installed Windows 8 ... I get this error:

hps://i-msdn.sec.s-msft.com/dynimg/IC556828.png (replace with tt)

Thats mean .NET framework 2.0 isn´t pre-installed on windows 8 ??

Windows 8/8.1 only have .Net 4.0 preinstalled and enabled by default.

Windows 8 has .NET Framework 2.0 preinstalled; however, it is not enabled by default. To enable .NET Framework 2.0, go to Control Panel - Programs - Turn Windows features on or off and mark the .NET Framework 3.5 checkbox. Note that .NET Framework 3.5 includes .NET Framework 2.0.