.NET Framework Technologies

The Microsoft .NET Framework is a managed code programming model for building applications that have visually stunning user experiences, seamless and secure communication, and the ability to model a range of business processes.

ADO.NET
ADO.NET provides consistent access to data sources such as Microsoft SQL Server, as well as data sources exposed through OLE DB and XML. Learn about ADO.NET on the Data Developer Center.

ASP.NET
Microsoft ASP.NET is a set of Web application development technologies that enables programmers to build dynamic Web sites, web applications, and XML Web services. Learn about ASP.NET on the ASP.NET Developer Center.

Base Class Libraries
The Base Class Libraries (BCL) provides the fundamental building blocks for any application you develop, be it an ASP.NET application, a Windows Forms application, or a Web Service. The BCL generally serves as your main point of interaction with the runtime.

Common Language Runtime
The .NET Framework provides a run-time environment called the common language runtime, which runs the code and provides services that make the development process easier.

.NET Compact Framework
The .NET Compact Framework's managed code and XML Web services enable the development of secure, downloadable applications on devices such as personal digital assistants (PDAs), mobile phones, and set-top boxes.

.NET Micro Framework
The .NET Micro Framework extends the productivity advantages of .NET and Visual Studio to smaller, less expensive, and more resource-constrained devices than any previous Microsoft managed platform.

Windows CardSpace
Windows CardSpace is a .NET Framework component that provides the consistent user experience required by the identity metasystem. It is specifically hardened against tampering and spoofing to protect the end user's digital identities and maintain end-user control.

Windows Communication Foundation
Windows Communication Foundation is a set of .NET Framework technologies for building and running connected systems. Advanced Web services support in Windows Communication Foundation provides secure, reliable, and transacted messaging along with interoperability.

Windows Forms
Microsoft Windows Forms is the core development platform for building smart client applications. The Windows Forms classes contained in the .NET Framework are designed to be used for GUI development. You can easily create command windows, buttons, menus, toolbars, and other screen elements.

Windows Presentation Foundation
The Windows Presentation Foundation provides the foundation for building applications and high fidelity experiences in Windows, blending together application UI, documents, and media content, while exploiting the full power of your computer.

Windows Workflow Foundation
Windows Workflow Foundation is the programming model, engine and tools for quickly building workflow enabled applications on Windows. It consists of a .NET Framework namespace, an in-process workflow engine, and designers for Visual Studio. Windows Workflow Foundation includes support for both system workflow and human workflow across a wide range of scenarios.