.NET Core is a cross-platform, open-source framework that allows developers to build applications that can run on Windows, Linux, and macOS. It differs from the traditional .NET Framework in that it is modular, allowing for more flexibility and faster updates. My experience with .NET Core includes developing microservices and web applications that leverage its cross-platform capabilities and performance improvements over the .NET Framework.

I use a combination of tools and techniques for debugging and troubleshooting .NET applications. This includes utilizing Visual Studio's debugging features such as breakpoints, watch windows, and call stacks. Additionally, I employ logging frameworks like NLog or Serilog to capture detailed logs that help in identifying issues. For performance bottlenecks, I use profiling tools like dotTrace to analyze and optimize the application's performance.

I have extensive experience designing and implementing RESTful APIs in .NET. I typically use ASP.NET Core to build these APIs, leveraging its built-in support for routing, middleware, and dependency injection. I ensure that the APIs follow REST principles by using HTTP methods correctly, providing meaningful status codes, and using JSON for data exchange. Additionally, I implement versioning and documentation using tools like Swagger to make the APIs user-friendly.

Ensuring the security of .NET applications involves multiple layers of protection. I implement authentication and authorization using OAuth2 or JWT tokens. For data protection, I use encryption techniques like AES for sensitive data at rest and TLS for data in transit. I also follow secure coding practices, such as input validation, parameterized queries to prevent SQL injection, and regular security audits to identify and mitigate vulnerabilities.

I have integrated various databases into .NET applications, including SQL Server, MySQL, and NoSQL databases like MongoDB. I use Entity Framework Core for ORM (Object-Relational Mapping) to interact with relational databases, which simplifies data access and management. For NoSQL databases, I use libraries like MongoDB.Driver. I ensure efficient data retrieval and storage by optimizing queries and using connection pooling to manage database connections effectively.