.NET/Mono Install Base

Question

Me and some friends are considering writing a new FOSS project, and the debate is divided between using .NET or something else.

So I am wondering if there is an advertis

Answer 1

Your best overall bet is to go with .NET. While we are focusing on getting the application suite developed, we are keeping technologies as cross-platform as possible (I would use the term generic but that would be confusing).

Get your overall design/architecture in place first. Then study the technologies you are considering. For instance, if your application is going to target a Mono platform, there are MS technologies that you shouldn't even consider (MEF comes to mind).

Don't let a Linux/Windows/Mono discussion keep you from getting anything accomplished. ;)

Edit based on Am's comment: I didn't realize you were actually concerned whether the decision to use C# was the best decision. In light of that, I'll add a bit more.

Mono is written in C#. The popularity is overwhelming. Add C#'s flexibility and an extension (more or less) of C++, I really don't think you can go wrong. There are still considerations as I mentioned above that you need to keep aware of.