What is the difference between .NET Framework 4.6.1 Targeting Pack and .NET Framework 4.6.1 Runtime?

I want to develop .net framework 4.6.1 applications using Visual studio 2012.So, I tried to install 4.6.1 developer pack for visual studio 2012.But when I go to this link to install the framework.It provides me two links, one for .NET Framework 4.6.1 Targeting Pack and the other for .NET Framework 4.6.1 Runtime. Which one of these shall I install?

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1 Answer

To use the framework with Visual Studio 2012 or later install the developer type version.

The runtime type version is a lighter version, meant to run applications on servers. This runtime version doesn't have the information/extensions that Visual Studio needs, so Visual Studio can't use them.

Check why at was-the-developer-pack-originally-called-sdk

Update(2018-01-08)

Currently, the download page is .NET SDKs for Visual Studio. First column has the Developer Pack versions, for Visual Studios, the middle column as the Runtime versions to install on production servers.

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