@capacitor/core is a cross-platform native runtime for building web applications that run on iOS, Android, and the web. Developed by the Ionic team, Capacitor allows developers to create hybrid mobile applications using web technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript while providing access to native device features. This makes it an excellent choice for developers looking to leverage their existing web development skills to create mobile applications.

While Capacitor is a powerful tool, there are several alternatives in the ecosystem that cater to similar needs:

• @ionic/core is the core library of the Ionic Framework, which provides a set of UI components and tools for building mobile applications. While Capacitor focuses on bridging web applications to native functionality, Ionic Core provides a rich set of pre-built UI components that can be used in conjunction with Capacitor or independently. If you're looking to create visually appealing mobile applications with a strong emphasis on UI design, Ionic Core is a great option.
• cordova is one of the earliest frameworks for building hybrid mobile applications. It allows developers to use web technologies to create applications that can access native device features through plugins. While Cordova has been a popular choice for many years, it has seen a decline in popularity with the rise of newer technologies like Capacitor. However, it still remains a viable option for projects that require a mature and established framework.
• expo is a framework and platform for universal React applications. It provides a set of tools and services that simplify the development process for React Native applications. Expo allows developers to build, deploy, and iterate on their applications quickly without needing to deal with native code. If you're focused on building React Native applications and want a streamlined development experience, Expo is an excellent choice.
• react-native is a popular framework for building native mobile applications using React. Unlike Capacitor, which allows web applications to access native features, React Native enables developers to write applications that are truly native, using React components. If your goal is to create a fully native mobile application with the performance and look-and-feel of a native app, React Native is the way to go.

To see how @capacitor/core compares with its alternatives, check out the comparison: Comparing @capacitor/core vs @ionic/core vs cordova vs expo vs react-native.