Understanding Dot Net Framework

1. Understanding .Net Framework Microsoft TEG – GE GDC Noida 2
Understanding .Net Framework
.Net vs. Classic Windows
Net applications are not executed the same way as the traditional windows
applications like applications developed in Visual Basic 6.0. Instead of being compiled
into an executable containing native code, .NET applications code is compiled into
Microsoft Intermediate Language (MSIL) and stored in a file called Assembly. At run
time, the assembly is compiled into its final state by Common Language Runtime
(CLR).
.Net Framework
The .NET Framework has two components: .NET Framework Class Library (FCL)
and the Common Language Runtime (CLR). Before we start learning CLR and FCL,
lets learn about Common Language Specification (CLS). The Common
Language Specification (CLS) enforces that software development languages
should be interoperable between them. The code written in a CLS should be
compliant with the code written in another CLS-compliant language. Microsoft .NET
Framework supports Languages like Microsoft Visual Basic .NET, Microsoft Visual C#,
Microsoft Visual C++ .NET, and Microsoft Visual J# .NET.
The common language runtime is the foundation of the .NET Framework. CLR act as
an agent that manages code at execution time, providing core services such as
memory management, thread management etc. , while also enforcing strict type
safety and facilitates with code accuracy that ensure security and robustness.
The class library, is an integral component of the .NET Framework, consists of
object-oriented collection of reusable classes (types) that we can use to develop
applications ranging from traditional command-line or any graphical user interface
(GUI) applications such as Windows Forms, ASP.NET Web Forms and Windows
Services the newly invented XML Web services.
The diagram below depicts in detail the .Net framework structure.
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2. Understanding .Net Framework Microsoft TEG – GE GDC Noida 2
How .Net applications work ?
The source code written by the developer is compiled into MSIL and stored assembly.
While generating MSIL, the compiler also produces metadata and both (MSIL and
metadata) are contained in PE (portable executable) files. Because of metadata
stored along with MSIL, the need of storing the information in windows registry has
been eliminated unlike classic windows applications. The below diagram depicts the
working of .Net applications.
Conclusion
The .NET Framework from Microsoft provides services to application developers that
are necessary to quickly create scalable solutions that meet stringent requirements
for security, manageability and productivity. The Microsoft Common Language
Runtime (CLR) and the .NET Framework class libraries were designed to enable
developers to easily create scalable, secure, interoperable and manageable
applications that can also leverage existing investments in other technologies and
platforms. The .NET infrastructure works with non-Microsoft technologies through its
built-in support for creating and consuming Web services, and it works with existing
Microsoft technologies by providing native integration with COM components.
Reference: http://www.codeproject.com/KB/dotnet/DotNetWhitePaper.aspx
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