What is Kestrel?

Kestrel acts as a highly adaptable web server for ASP.NET Core applications and is the standard server included in project templates. It supports multiple protocols, such as HTTPS and HTTP/2, although HTTP/2 is not supported on macOS, and it enables WebSockets through a seamless upgrade feature while also offering Unix socket support to boost performance when used in conjunction with Nginx. This web server is designed to be compatible with all platforms and versions that .NET Core supports. Developers should note that some web browsers require explicit authorization to accept the local development certificate, and the default configuration of project templates is set to use HTTPS, which includes automatic HTTPS redirection and HSTS features. Kestrel additionally provides specific configuration options that are especially advantageous for internet-facing deployments, including unique connection limits for connections upgraded from HTTP or HTTPS to other protocols, particularly during WebSocket requests. Moreover, the server imposes a default maximum request body size limit of around 28.6 MB, or 30,000,000 bytes, which helps in efficiently processing incoming requests. Furthermore, the adaptability of Kestrel empowers developers to customize these settings to meet the particular needs of their applications, ensuring optimal performance and security in various deployment scenarios.

Pricing

Free Version:
Free Version available.

Integrations

Offers API?:
Yes, Kestrel provides an API

Screenshots and Video

Kestrel Screenshot 1

Company Facts

Company Name:
Microsoft
Date Founded:
1975
Company Location:
United States
Company Website:
docs.microsoft.com/en-us/aspnet/core/fundamentals/servers/kestrel

Product Details

Deployment
Windows
Mac
Linux
Training Options
Documentation Hub
Support
Web-Based Support

Product Details

Target Company Sizes
Individual
1-10
11-50
51-200
201-500
501-1000
1001-5000
5001-10000
10001+
Target Organization Types
Mid Size Business
Small Business
Enterprise
Freelance
Nonprofit
Government
Startup
Supported Languages
English

Kestrel Categories and Features