.NET & Windows

text size AAA Published December 26, 2011

Overview

Microsoft developed the .Net Framework for computers that run the Windows Operating System. Microsoft .Net is compatible with Windows NT 4.0, Windows 98, and all the new versions of Windows. The framework consists of pre-coded solutions that enable access to a solution library for a wide range of objectives including interface, database connectivity, data access, web application development, and network communications.

Microsoft's .Net Framework combines a Base Class Library (BCL) and Common Language Runtime (CLR). CLR enables security, exception handling, and memory management. The .Net Framework is licensed as open source. People can use, manipulate, and redistribute .Net for free.

Benefits

Interoperability is .Net's biggest benefit. Microsoft's .Net allows access to certain programs that operate outside Windows. The .Net framework also incorporates system enterprise services and system runtime interop services. The next benefit provided by .Net Microsoft is common runtime engine or the common language runtime. This feature guarantees certain behaviors, properties, and securities. Microsoft's .Net has independent language facility through a common type system that defines all the programs and data types that are supported by CLR. Microsoft's .Net provides the best class library that contains predefined solutions for almost all common problems. The .Net Framework allows for users to check for common problems. Software for .Net also comes with security against malicious users. The .Net Framework is portable, functional, and can be used on any Windows system.

How It Works

.Net follows Microsoft's intermediate language for coding and functioning (also known as common intermediate language). Metadata is created and stored with the compiled code. Information about members, types, and references is also stored. With the help of metadata, CLR helps to locate load classes and provides security. Metadata and MSIL are combined to create a portable executable file that can be used across multiple systems. The time compiler converts MSIL code into native code for better understanding of the operation system with the help of CLR. Microsoft libraries are classified as framework class libraries and are basic class libraries that help resolve common problems.