which .net version to use?

meiru 

I have tried to respond to your query, addressing key concerns and suggesting best practices in some level of detail:

The first things that come to my mind are Compatibility and Potential Issues:

General Compatibility: .NET Core 3.1 assemblies often work in newer .NET versions (6, 7, 8), but not always.

Also, I would like to address a few specific concerns:

C++/CLI: It has known compatibility limitations in newer .NET versions.

COM-Like Interfaces: Check for compatibility with newer .NET runtimes.

Native Dependencies: Ensure they're compatible with target platforms.

Security Risks: Using outdated assemblies might expose vulnerabilities if newer .NET versions address them.

Recompiling for .NET 8:

Backward Compatibility: Assemblies compiled for .NET 8 generally cannot be used in older .NET Core 3.1 or .NET 6/7 projects due to potential breaking changes.

Best Practices:

Recompile for Newer .NET Versions: Prioritize recompiling for .NET 6 or 7 as they are LTS (Long-Term Support) versions, ensuring stability and security updates.

Thorough Testing: Conduct rigorous testing to identify and address compatibility issues proactively.

Multiple Builds: If maintaining compatibility with older .NET Core 3.1 projects is crucial, consider providing separate builds for different .NET versions.

Continuous Updates: Stay updated with .NET releases and address potential compatibility concerns early on.

Additional Considerations:

Consider Alternatives: Explore alternative technologies or approaches for the wrapper if C++/CLI's limitations in newer .NET versions pose significant challenges.

Monitor Microsoft Guidance: Stay informed about Microsoft's recommendations and support for C++/CLI in future .NET releases.