.NET Framework 4 Client Profile + System.Web.dll?
I'm currently developing an application for .NET 4 Client Profile, as this is the version that will be present on most home computers through Windows Update.
However, I cannot add a reference to System.Web.dll as it does not exist in this version - what should I do?
Is it a good idea to deploy System.Web.dll along with my application, or won't that work? I really need HTTP connections and all, so I cannot modify my application as a workaround. Is targeting my application to .NET 4 (no client profile) perhaps a possibility or will that just not work on computers with only the Client Profile?
Answer
NET 4 Client Profile, as this is the version that will be present on most home computers through Windows Update
Not really. .NET 4 (client profile or not) currently isn't present on any pre-Windows 10 installation by default. For example, Windows 7 comes with .NET 3.5 SP1, not .NET 4.0. There may be a windows update, but it is optional.
Therefore, you might as well target the full .NET 4 framework.
The link between operating systems and .NET framework versions can be found here. The checkmarks indicate that a version is available out of the box, plus sign means it can be installed.
Also note that 4.5, 4.6 and 4.6.1 are all in-place updates, meaning that a system with any of those is also considered to have 4.0.