# .NET Runtime Form Factors
[Jan Kotas](https://github.com/jkotas) | [Rich Lander](https://github.com/richlander)
Starting in about 2014, we started a journey to open source and consolidate the .NET platform into a single code base, experience and brand. Those initial goals are now almost complete, with .NET 5.0. It is now time to re-evaluate where the industry and .NET users are heading next, and to make choices for .NET that are aligned. The .NET runtime form-factors are a frequent topic of feedback and discussions -- with current and potential users -- in terms of how we should improve and change fundamental .NET execution characteristics and expand the scenarios in which .NET can be used.
In the context of the .NET runtime, [form factor](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Form_factor_(design)) describes the size and number of binaries that are required for applications, application dependencies, fundamental performance characteristics and how the application is invoked. It could also describe APIs that may or may not be supported due to fundamental form factor design choices. It does not describe operating system or chip architecture.
We have received feedback from many people about .NET and our design choices. Many users are happy with the current form factor options, but we also hear from users who cannot use .NET (even if they are fans of .NET languages) or who expect to reduce their use .NET due to lack of appropriate options. Going forward, we need to make intentional choices about our form-factor portfolio, and to communicate what we expect to deliver over the course of the next several years as a roadmap to allow users and the community to plan accordingly. This document is intended to address these topics and to start a new conversation with the community.
**Table of Contents**
- [Dominant .NET Runtime Form Factors](#dominant-net-runtime-form-factors)
- [Global and General Purpose](#global-and-general-purpose)
- [Self-Contained](#self-contained)
- [Optimized for Size](#optimized-for-size)
- [Specialized for Mobile Devices](#specialized-for-mobile-devices)
- [Specialized for Games](#specialized-for-games)
- [Technical Roadmap](#technical-roadmap)
- [Continuous Improvements](#continuous-improvements)
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