.net open source and running platform choices [closed]

Answer 1

"True" .NET only runs on Windows. However, the Mono project allows applications written for .NET to run on Linux (and other platforms) so long as there aren't any compatibility issues. Mono has a compatibility checker which can help you to have a cursory look at how many problems you're likely to have, but I don't have any experience with it myself. There's also a Portability Guidelines page which you may find very useful.

Answer 2

As others have already, there is Mono, but given it's immaturity, it is not only an extra level of complexity, it is an extra level of risk. Furthermore, the supplier offering a .NET solution is highly unlikely to want to support their application on Apaches + Mono.

So either opt for OSS (Apache + PHP/Perl/Python/Ruby etc) or choose IIS + .NET. There is absolutely nothing wrong with choosing the .NET solution, if it's the best application for the job, but don't try to shoe an application essentially designed for one platform onto another.

Answer 3

I think you will find that the open source community and shear volume of choices is much greater in non-Microsoft environments. While you can use Mono to run .Net on Linux, you are probably just adding another layer of unnecessary complexity.

Also, be sure to evaluate the true cost of choosing open-source solutions. There may not be a community to support the software you choose and in the long run you can end up spending as much time/money on maintenance as you would have saved otherwise.

Answer 4

Further to some previous answers; some other Mono details: