.NET started with the .NET Framework in the early 2000s, designed primarily for Windows applications. Over time, Microsoft introduced .NET Core to support cross-platform development. The evolution continued with .NET 5, unifying .NET Framework and .NET Core into a single platform. Each iteration improved performance, security, and scalability. The transition from monolithic architectures to microservices, containerization with Docker, and cloud-native development showcases .NET’s adaptability. Today, .NET enables developers to build scalable, modern applications that work seamlessly across Windows, Linux, macOS, and cloud environments, proving its versatility in software development.