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This section provides conceptual overviews of the key features of the .NET Framework, including the common language runtime, the .NET Framework class library, and cross-language interoperability.
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For a general introduction to the .NET Framework for both users and developers, see the .NET Framework 4 home page.
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.
Explains how the .NET Framework simplifies component interoperation by allowing compilers to emit additional declarative information, or metadata, into all modules and assemblies.
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.
Introduces the library of types provided by the .NET Framework, which expedites and optimizes the development process and gives you access to system functionality.
Provides programming information about the classes, interfaces, and value types that are included in the .NET Framework. This library provides access to system functionality and is designed to be the foundation on which .NET Framework applications, components, and controls are built.
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