Microsoft .NET Framework

The Microsoft .NET Framework is a proprietary software framework developed by Microsoft Corporation that primarily runs on Microsoft Windows. It provides a comprehensive and consistent programming model for building applications with visually stunning user experiences and seamless and secure communication.

Introduced in the late 1990s, the .NET Framework was initially developed under the name 'Next Generation Windows Services (NGWS)'. It was designed to address challenges in building robust and scalable applications for the Windows platform. The framework includes a large class library known as the Framework Class Library, and provides language interoperability across several programming languages.

Components

Common Language Runtime

The core component of the .NET Framework is the Common Language Runtime (CLR). It serves as the execution engine of the .NET Framework, allowing programmers to write their code in a variety of high-level languages like C#, Visual Basic .NET, and F#. The CLR manages memory, executes code, and handles exceptions, among other functions.

Framework Class Library

The Framework Class Library (FCL) is a comprehensive collection of reusable classes, interfaces, and value types that expedite the development process. It integrates with language-specific libraries and supports the creation of applications ranging from desktop applications to web services.

ASP.NET

ASP.NET is a part of the .NET Framework used specifically for building dynamic web applications. It provides tools and libraries to build web APIs, server-side rendering, and rich client-side experiences. Notably, ASP.NET Core is the open-source, cross-platform successor of ASP.NET.

ADO.NET

ADO.NET is a set of components in the .NET Framework that facilitates data access. It provides a bridge between front-end controls and the back-end database, enabling developers to execute SQL commands and retrieve data.

Evolution and Successors

The .NET Framework has evolved significantly since its first release. With the introduction of the .NET Core, Microsoft began a transition towards open-source software development. .NET Core is cross-platform and provides a more modular and lightweight approach compared to the traditional .NET Framework. Eventually, .NET 5 was introduced as a unified platform, merging the best features of .NET Core and .NET Framework.

.NET Compact Framework

The Microsoft .NET Compact Framework is a version of the .NET Framework designed to run on resource-constrained mobile and embedded devices. It is particularly used in the development of applications for Windows CE and Windows Mobile.

Microsoft Net Framework