C# FAQ 2 - About .NET Framework And Visual Studio

The .NET Framework is one of the powerful technologies developed by Microsoft. It comprises several programming languages such as C#, Visual Basic, C++, F#. The framework also includes database platforms such as ADO.NET and web based languages such as ASP.NET and MVC.

Microsoft did not included MVC when they originally released .NET Framework in 2002 but was added later as per the feedback of the developers. The .NET Framework infrastructure comprises of Common Language Runtime (CLR), .NET Framework class libraries and Visual Studio.

Common Language Runtime is called CLR and provides a universal execution engine for .NET applications. The runtime has a capability to manage objects with the help of Automatic Garbage Collection system. The objects that are not used are destroyed instantly. This facilitates simplified memory allocation. The compilers included with .NET Framework languages generate Meta code upon compilation that contains information about code types, its members and references used. CLR also provides support for Managed Code, Effective Memory Management, Type Safety Verification, Conversion of IL to native code, Structured Exception Handling, effective Interoperability between COM components and Unmanaged Code.

The .NET Framework class libraries consists of around 4000 classes classified logically into namespaces. I will discuss about namespaces in an upcoming FAQ.

Build .NET Applications Manually with SDK

You can also build .NET based applications with the help of Software Development Kit (SDK). However, you have to write your own code, compile and run it from within the DOS command prompt. The SDK ships with compilers and run time engines for all .NET languages. Microsoft releases new build of SDK with each major release of .NET Framework.

Visual Studio

Microsoft.NET has evolved and grown bigger over the last several years. Visual Studio helps you to build software/web applications in a faster way. It is an Integrated Development Environment (IDE) which includes all required tools to build .NET/ASP.NET applications.

Microsoft has packed the required .NET controls into the IDE. As a developer, you just need to either double click or drag and drop to the design view. If you double click design view, coding editor will be displayed. The Properties window enables you to provide required values to the controls.