What is Framework

What is DOT NET (.NET) Framework

A Detailed Analysis on Background and Working

Tags: VB.NET, VB 2008, VB 2010, VB 2012, VB 2013

.Net framework is a technology or a programming infrastructure used for building and deployment of applications and services that use .NET technologies like XML web-based services or some .NET based desktop applications. The three major parts that the .NET framework consists of are the Common Language Runtime (CLR), the framework class library and the ASP.NET.

·        History and Background:

Microsoft initiated DOT NET Framework or simple .NET Framework back in 1990s. The original name assigned to the project was Next Generation Windows Services (NGWS).

1.      .NET Framework Era (Late 2000):

The first version of DOT NET Framework was released in 2000 by the tag name of .NET Framework 1.0. The version was introduced with IDE (Visual Studio .NET). The very first version of .NET framework included various features like introduction of Common Language Runtime (CLR), DLL class libraries, and provisioning of Object-oriented web application development.   

2.      .NET Framework Era (2007-08):

After introducing .NET Framework version 1.1 and 2.0 adding numerous features, the development succeeded in launching .NET Framework version 3.0. This was for the first time that this version included Windows Presentation Foundation (also known as WPF), Windows Communications Foundation (also known as WCF), Windows Workflow Foundation (also known as WF) and CardSpace. Microsoft announced the .NET Framework version 3.5 to synchronize the use of Windows 7, XP and Server 2003.   

3.      .NET Framework Era (2010):

Proceeding further, Microsoft announced .NET Framework version 4.0 in 2010. The version introduced Common Language Runtime (CLR) 4.0, Managed Extensibility Framework (MEF), and Dynamic Language Runtime (DLR). This version also included Task Parallel Library alongside visual studio 2010.

4.      .NET Framework Era (2012-13):

The .NET version 4.5 and 4.5.1 included some enhanced features addition to Common Language Runtime (CLR) 4.0, A-synchronization support, Windows Store Applications accessibility feature, and some common feature enhancements to Windows Presentation Foundation (also known as WPF), Windows Communications Foundation (also known as WCF), Windows Workflow Foundation (also known as WF) and ASP.NET. The .NET Framework version 4.5 and 4.5.1 also introduced Visual Studio 2012 and 2013.     

·        How Does .NET Framework Actually Work:

The .NET framework is used for building and deployment of applications and services that use .NET technologies like XML web-based services or some .NET based desktop applications. The three major parts that the .NET framework consists of are the Common Language Runtime (CLR), the Framework Class Library (FCL), and the ASP.NET.

1.      Common Language Runtime (CLR):

The main part of .NET Framework, which develops the base of the architecture, is the Common Language Runtime (CLR). CLR acts as a bridge that is used to handles code at execution. It is the core part of .NET Framework and is responsible for memory management and thread management. In this way, the Common Language Runtime (CLR) in .NET Framework empowers safety and also provide code accuracy which is essential in order to provide security. Therefore, code management at the time of execution is the primary role of Common Language Runtime (CLR) in .NET Framework. Two types of codes are available in Common Language Runtime (CLR) in .NET Framework:

1.       Managed Code: Code that directly targets the Common Language Runtime (CLR) in .NET Framework

2.       Unmanaged Code: Code that does not directly targets the Common Language Runtime (CLR) in .NET Framework

2.      Framework Class Library (FCL):

The Framework Class Library (FCL) in .NET Framework is also a main part of .NET Framework. The Class library includes the reusable classes (types) that are based on object-orientation. This part is highly imperative while developing applications. Applications could either be developed using command-line interface (CLI) or Graphical User Interface (GUI). Several platforms include Windows forms, Web Forms and ASP.NET. XML Web-based services are also used to develop applications.  

The main synchronization is required while writing a code. A code that is written in a CLS should synchronize with that written in another CLS-based language.

·        Versions And How It Developed:

.NET Framework consists of nine major versions, of which two versions are further extension of .NET Framework 4.0. Penned down below is a brief overview of the different versions of .NET Framework:

1.      .NET Framework 1.0:

The first version of DOT NET Framework was released in 2000 by the tag name of .NET Framework 1.0. The version was introduced with IDE (Visual Studio .NET). The very first version of .NET framework included various features like introduction of Common Language Runtime (CLR), DLL class libraries, and provisioning of Object-oriented web application development.  

2.      .NET Framework 2.0:

.NET Framework 2.0 was released in 2003 backing up with Visual Studio .NET. This framework includes additional feature that were absent in the first version of .NET Framework. These features include enhancement of ASP.NET and ADO.NET, mobile ASP.NET controls preferred integrated support, more added security features, Database management system integrated support, and IP version 6 support.  

3.      .NET Framework 3.0:

After introducing .NET Framework version 1.1 and 2.0 adding numerous features, the development succeeded in launching .NET Framework version 3.0. This was for the first time that this version included Windows Presentation Foundation (also known as WPF), Windows Communications Foundation (also known as WCF), Windows Workflow Foundation (also known as WF) and CardSpace. Microsoft announced the .NET Framework version 3.5 to synchronize the use of Windows 7, XP and Server 2003.

4.       .NET Framework 3.5:

.NET Framework 3.5 extended the features missing in the processor .NET Framework. Integrated Ajax support, LINQ, Dynamic Data, and Framework Support with Multi-targeting are some of the key features of this framework version.

5.      .NET Framework 4.0:

Proceeding further, Microsoft announced .NET Framework version 4.0 in 2010. The version introduced Common Language Runtime (CLR) 4.0, Managed Extensibility Framework (MEF), and Dynamic Language Runtime (DLR). This version also included Task Parallel Library alongside visual studio 2010.

6.      .NET Framework 4.5/4.5.1/4.5.2:

The .NET version 4.5, 4.5.1 and 4.5.2 included some enhanced features addition to Common Language Runtime (CLR) 4.0, A-synchronization support, Windows Store Applications accessibility feature, and some common feature enhancements to Windows Presentation Foundation (also known as WPF), Windows Communications Foundation (also known as WCF), Windows Workflow Foundation (also known as WF) and ASP.NET. The .NET Framework version 4.5 and 4.5.1 also introduced Visual Studio 2012 and 2013.    

.NET Framework 4.5.2 has recently been launched in 2014. For Windows forms, high DPI scenarios improvements have been made. However, for ASP.NET platform, HTTP header scrutiny and adjustments procedures have been made to improve its overall working.