Overview of the .NET Framework

Introduces the .NET Framework architecture and its features.

Explains the relationship between the .NET Framework version 3.5 and earlier versions and service packs.

Explains the features and benefits of the common language runtime, a run-time environment that manages the execution of code and provides services that simplify the development process.

Identifies the types supported by the common language runtime.

Explains how the .NET Framework simplifies component interoperation by allowing compilers to emit additional declarative information, or metadata, into all modules and assemblies.

Explains how managed objects created in different programming languages can interact with one another.

Defines the concept of assemblies, which are collections of types and resources that form logical units of functionality. Assemblies are the fundamental units of deployment, version control, reuse, activation scoping, and security permissions.

Explains how to use application domains to provide isolation between applications.

Introduces the library of types provided by the .NET Framework, which expedites and optimizes the development process and gives you access to system functionality.

Describes the runtime hosts supported by the .NET Framework, including ASP.NET, Internet Explorer, and shell executables.

Provides principles, techniques, and practical advice on the use of .NET Framework technologies.

Provides system requirements for versions 3.5, 2.0, 1.1, and 1.0 of the .NET Framework.

Provides links to topics that provide example code, describe how to perform particular tasks, and describe complete scenarios.

Provides programming information about the classes, interfaces, and value types that are included in the Windows Software Development Kit (SDK). This library provides access to system functionality and is designed to be the foundation on which .NET Framework applications, components, and controls are built.

Describes the new features in this release.