Background to .NET

The Microsoft .NET Framework is a language-independent programming model that simplifies the process of building distributed applications. Any programs written for .NET can interact with one another, regardless of the programming language in which the programs were written.

.NET has two core components:

• The Common Language Runtime (CLR). The CLR is responsible for run-time code management, undertaking such tasks as memory and thread management, and security enforcement. Programs that are written to make use of the CLR are known as managed code. Programs that do not make use of the CLR are known as unmanaged code.
• .NET Framework class library. The class library is an object-oriented collection of types that are closely integrated with the CLR. By inheriting functionality defined in the .NET Framework class library, you can reduce the amount of code you need to write.

To create an application for .NET, you use Microsoft Visual Studio, a development environment that enables you to develop applications that work with .NET regardless of the programming language in which they are written.

For more information on .NET, go to the Microsoft .NET Web site:

Microsoft .NET