As a key player in the .NET software development, your role in choosing the right support model is pivotal. The decision between Long-Term Support (LTS) for stability and Short-Term Support (STS) for innovation can significantly impact your team’s efficiency, budget, and overall project success. Both options have distinct advantages, and your informed choice is crucial.
This blog is designed to provide practical guidance on the differences between LTS and STS in .NET, key factors to consider, and insights from real-world examples. By the end, you'll feel confident in your ability to choose the best support model for your next .NET project.
LTS releases offer stability and extended support. They receive critical updates such as bug fixes and security patches for several years, making them ideal for projects where predictability and reduced maintenance overhead are crucial.
Typically supported for 3+ years.
New LTS releases come approximately every two years.
Applications requiring long-term reliability without frequent need for updates.
STS releases prioritize rapid innovation and frequent updates. They allow developers to work with the latest .NET features, but the support is short-lived compared to LTS.
Around 18 months or less.
Released frequently, often alongside major iterations of .NET.
Projects that demand cutting-edge functionality and flexibility.
Start by analyzing your project goals. Is the application customer-facing and expected to be stable over the years? Or is it an internal project where flexibility and rapid iteration are key?
1. LTS is the go-to for enterprise-grade solutions requiring long-term maintenance.
2. STS works well for startups or short-term development initiatives that aim to explore innovative features.
The level of expertise within the development Team plays a significant role. Supporting STS can require frequent updates and a strong ability to pivot quickly when features are depreciated.
If your Team prefers a predictable environment with fewer updates, LTS is the safer choice. STS may be better suited to teams that are comfortable with rapid iteration and experimentation.
Vendor-provided support (e.g., Microsoft support) guarantees timely updates and a safety net for resolving critical issues. Evaluate whether long-term stability (LTS) or quick feature implementation (STS) aligns with your vendor-support expectations.
A large financial services firm needed to modernize its legacy systems while ensuring compliance with strict security regulations.
They opted for .NET Core LTS for its extended support window and minimized disruption to end users.
1. Enhanced system reliability with fewer disruptions.
2. Simplified maintenance cycle, reducing Team workload.
3. Avoided the resource-intensive process required for frequent updates.
LTS is ideal for critical systems where unplanned change can lead to service interruptions and security risks.
A startup developing a SaaS product chose .NET Core STS to stay competitive and integrate the latest features.
Leveraged STS for rapid development cycles and to experiment with new functionality.
1. Accelerated delivery of innovative features to end-users.
2. Managed challenges in regularly updating the codebase by allocating specific developer resources for maintaining updates.
While STS enabled innovation, it required a proactive approach to keep up with new releases.
Analyzing community-driven .NET projects highlights a balanced split:
1. LTS for foundational frameworks and extensive projects backed by volunteer contributors.
2. STS for agile, experimental libraries seeking community feedback quickly.
1. If prioritizing stability, Go for LTS.
2. If focused on innovation, Choose STS.
Even with LTS, significant upgrades (e.g., switching from .NET Core 3.1 to .NET 6) require preparation. Always allocate time and resources for transition.
Stay informed about Microsoft's .NET lifecycle updates to ensure your projects don’t fall out of support.
Evaluate how Microsoft or other vendors can assist in maintaining your chosen support model—especially if unexpected issues arise!
The .NET developer community is rich with knowledge. Leverage forums, GitHub discussions, and foundation blogs when considering migration or updates.
Picking between LTS and STS in .NET isn’t just about support windows—it’s about aligning your choice with your project's goals, team dynamics, and long-term vision for your software.
Whether you’re an enterprise leader managing stable systems or a developer experimenting with innovation, there’s a path forward. Thoughtful planning and collaboration will allow your Team to maximize the benefits of whichever support model you choose.
Looking for more guidance on .NET development, migration, or support models? Stay ahead of the curve by connecting with our dedicated .NET consultants or exploring Microsoft’s detailed .NET roadmap.
Contact us today to schedule a free, 20-minute call to learn how DotNet Expert Solutions can help you revolutionize the way your company conducts business.
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