The .NET Framework is a programming model that is developed by Microsoft that supports building and running of software applications for Windows, Windows Phone, Windows Server, Microsoft Azure, and XML Web services. It runs on Microsoft Windows.
The .NET Framework comprises Common Language Runtime (CLR) and a large class library identified as Framework Class Library (FCL). They provide language interoperability or the ability to exchange and make use of information across a number of programming languages.
This framework was created to defeat the various problems of application development including extended development times, failure to change applications quickly, high software ownership cost, and ease of deployment.
Some Features of Common Language Runtime (CLR):
– It applies code access security.
– It deals with the memory, the execution of threads and code, confirmation of code safety, collecting, and other system services.
– It makes sure that codes are strong using a strict type-and-code-verification infrastructure called the common type system (CTS).
– The runtime can be hosted by server-side applications, such as Microsoft SQL Server and Internet Information Services (IIS) that are high on performance.
– Just-in-time (JIT) compilation allows all managed code to run in the native machine language of the system on which it is accomplishing. Memory manager eliminates the possibilities of fragmented memory and increases memory locality-of-reference which enhances performance.
Some Features of Framework Class Library (FCL):
– It collects reusable types that are closely integrated with the Common Language Runtime (CLR).
– It includes a set of standard class libraries. These class libraries perform common functions, such as the rendering of graphics, XML document manipulation, and database interaction, among others.
– It has an object-oriented class library which purposes to achieve a range of common programming tasks, such as data collection, string management, file access, and database connectivity.
Benefits .NET has for Business Application Development
The return on investment is the deciding factor whether a certain product in the market is considered successful or failure. Both the substantial profits and time have taken are important aspects of calculating the return on investment or ROI.
The following features of .NET aid reduction of developmental and operational costs for an efficient IT company.
- Deployment:
The .NET framework makes deployment easier post-development with features like no-impact applications, controlled code sharing, private components, side-by-side versioning, and partially trusted code. The code execution environment keeps up safe code execution for reduced conflicts in software deployment and versioning. It minimizes performance problems of scripted or interpreted environments.
- Dependability:
Since the time of its release in 2002, .NET has been utilized to advance numerous applications. Its execution on Microsoft® Windows Server™ 2003 and Windows 2000 Server is also very constant and stable.
- Increased reuse of code, thus less coding:
This framework performs on object-oriented programming which does away with unnecessary codes, instead, less coding for the developers. .NET consists of re-usable code and many re-useable components. This means less time and therefore less cost to develop applications.
- Safety:
.NET offers improved application security as web applications developed using ASP. NET have Windows confirmation and configuration. Managed code and common language runtime offer safeguard features such as role-based security and code access security.
- For Service-Orientation:
.NET is frequently used for Web Services, which are a solution for executing a service orientation strategy. Through Web Services, applications which are designed in different programming languages or platforms, are capable to communicate and transmit data using standard Internet protocols.
- For Legacy Systems Integration:
The ability of .NET to deal with all types of XML documents and write any format of the file with quickness and easiness delivers various routes for integration.
- For Platforms and Languages:
. NET lets developers develop applications for a desktop, a browser, a mobile browser, just like on a cell phone, or an application running on PDA. .NET is promoted as a language-independent framework, which indicates that development can take place in different compliant languages that include C#, managed C++, VB.NET, Visual COBOL, IronPython, IronRuby, among others.
Types of applications that can be produced with .NET
Desktop applications, which include:
-Windows graphical user interface (GUI) application or Windows Forms or Winforms applications.
– Applications for Accounting
– Applications for value chain and supply management
– Applications for Product Inventory
– Applications for Windows services
– Applications for Warehousing using hand-held devices
Web-based applications that include:
– XML Web services
– Applications calling for integration with partners through the Internet
– Websites
Applications on embedded systems like:
– Applications for mobiles
– Console based applications
– Personal Document Organizer (PDO) or hand-held applications
– ASP.NET applications
– Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF) applications
– Service-oriented applications through Windows Communication Foundation (WCF)
– Workflow-enabled applications through Windows Workflow Foundation (WF)
In July 2019, Microsoft released 4.8.0 3928 as a stable version of the .NET Framework..