.NET Framework 4.8 rollout for Azure App Services breaking or not?

Question

An email was sent out to Azure App Service users on the 25th of June 2020 recommending to "Test your Azure App Service apps using .NET Framework 4.8 by July 14, 2020".

Further along in the email, it is stated that "To ensure that your App Service apps will run smoothly with the updated platform, test them locally using .NET Framework 4.8 by July 14, 2020.". The wording here hints at the possibility of breakage if not tested and validated with .NET Framework 4.8, or at the very least there is some ambiguity as to whether users actually have to do something regarding the update.

What I have on my hands is a whole bunch of applications running (on App Services) with 4.6.1 as their target, and I am wondering if I should worry about everything breaking down while frantically trying to rewrite/upgrade, or if I can relax and have my summer vacation. The information I have found so far has been contradictory to say the least, with some stating "No updates are required to existing applications." and others that I should be testing locally with 4.8 before July 14.

Are there docs explaining exactly what will happen that I have just completely missed, or what? Would love some clarification on this, thanks in advance!

Answer 1

Hello @Ola Næss Kaldestad ,

Thanks for taking the time to share your questions regarding the .NET framework 4.8 rollout. Based on the statement released on the Azure App Serice blog, this rollout is a non-breaking upgrade:

"The .NET Framework 4.8 update is a non-breaking in-place upgrade on App Service. No updates are required for existing applications."

However, if you do want to test your application or if you plan to re-target your application in the future to explicitly require .NET Framework 4.8 you are more welcome to do so but it is not required.

It sounds like you are fine with running your applications with 4.6.1 as their target so no action at this time is required from you. Feel free to enjoy your summer vacation! The engineering team will update this announcement periodically to inform you of the deployment progress.

hope that helps. If you have further questions please let us know.

Thanks for using Azure.

-Grace