Why .NET Framework
Virtually all programming languages manage data at some point. The primary reason that
communication between applications created using C++, Visual Basic, Visual FoxPro, and other
languages was difficult was because each language stored data being managed in a unique set of
data types. For example, an integer in one language may not represent an integer in another
language. Data needed to be converted to common data types to communicate between
languages.
The .NET Framework introduced a common set of data types (the Common Type System) that is
used by all .NET-compliant languages (C++, Visual Basic, C#, etc). Thus all languages can
easily intercommunicate. Furthermore, all .NET-compliant languages render a common result
when compiling code, Microsoft Intermediate Language (MSIL). (see footnote) MSIL can be
deployed to any platform running the Common Language Runtime (CLR). Currently, the CLR is
only available for Microsoft Windows although an open source version of the CLR was created
for Linux (called the Mono Project). Code written by using the .NET Framework is compiled
instead of interpreted resulting in much better performance than Java and competing
technologies.
Microsoft took the Web development industry by storm with their .NET upgrade to ASP.
ASP.NET put a new face on Web development through a compiled code architecture and
improved state management and it provides access to the full functionality of the .NET
Framework. ASP.NET is built around XML, supports the latest Web development standards, and
allows for the creation of advanced Web Services.
The .NET Framework also provides improved data access and database integration through
ADO.NET
What's New in the .NET Framework
The .NET Framework can also be fully extended by developers to create custom classes and
types. The functionality of the .NET Framework spans the server, the workstation, and the Web.
The four primary additions to the .NET Framework as of version 3.0 are:
1. Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF)
2. Windows Communication Foundation (WCF)
3. Windows Workflow Foundation (WF)
4. CardSpace
