Level
K-12
Format
Printable worksheets
Level
College & Adult
Format
Online course
About .NET
Microsoft .NET is a software development platform that revolutionized the way applications are built, deployed, and managed. Introduced by Microsoft Corporation in 2002, .NET provides developers with a robust and versatile framework for creating user-friendly and scalable applications across different platforms and devices.
At its core, .NET is a framework that allows developers to build applications using various programming languages, such as C#, VB.NET, and F#. This flexibility enables developers to choose the language that best suits their needs and skillsets, without sacrificing interoperability or productivity.
One of the key features of .NET is its Common Language Runtime (CLR), which provides a managed execution environment that handles memory management, code security, and exception handling. The CLR also provides Just-In-Time (JIT) compilation, which translates Intermediate Language (IL) code into machine code at runtime, enhancing performance and allowing for platform independence.
Another important component of .NET is the .NET Framework Class Library (FCL). This library provides a vast collection of pre-built classes and APIs that developers can utilize to simplify and expedite application development. The FCL covers a wide range of functionalities, including networking, file management, database access, and user interface design, among others.
Additionally, .NET offers extensive support for web and cloud-based applications through its ASP.NET and Azure platforms, respectively. ASP.NET is a web development framework that enables developers to create dynamic and interactive web applications using various technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Azure, on the other hand, provides a robust and scalable cloud computing platform that allows businesses to deploy, manage, and scale their applications with ease.
Furthermore, .NET is not limited to Windows-based applications only. With the introduction of .NET Core, developers can now build cross-platform applications that run on Windows, macOS, and Linux operating systems. This expansion has opened up new possibilities for developers, allowing them to target a wider audience and leverage the benefits of different platforms.
In conclusion, Microsoft .NET is a comprehensive and versatile software development platform that empowers developers to create high-quality, efficient, and scalable applications across various platforms and devices. With its robust framework, rich class library, and support for web and cloud-based applications, .NET has become the go-to choice for many developers around the world.