What is the .NET Framework?

What is .NET?

With the continuous change and demand in technology, Microsft created .NET (pronounced dot net) for software developers. .NET  is a framework that provides programming guidelines which can be used to develop a wide range of mobile and web applications. Using .NET, software developers can create reliable and reusable applications. As a custom software solutions service, Swan Software Solutions often uses .NET when developing dependable applications for our clients. 

.NET Architecture Explained

Common Language Runtime(CLR): CLR is the basic and virtual machine component of the .NET Framework. The CLR manages the code making the development process easier by providing various services such as remoting, thread management, type-safety, memory management, and etc.

Framework Class Library(FCL): .NET is integrated with numerous pre-written code libraries that developers often use for code commands in applications. The .NET software framework provides a standard pattern to build and deploy applications.

Languages:  The types of applications that can be built in the .NET framework are sectioned into the following categories.

• WinForms – This is used for developing Forms-based applications, which would run on an end user machine.
• ASP.NET – This is used for developing web-based applications, which are made to run on any browser such as Internet Explorer, Chrome or Firefox.
• ADO.NET– This technology is used to develop applications to interact with Databases such as Oracle or Microsoft SQL Server.

The Advantages of Using .NET to Develop Your Application

Reduced Amount of Code:  .NET has reduced the long lines of code required to develop large applications. This has resulted in quicker development phases for applications. Furthermore, the load time for such applications is decreased due to code modules being grouped together.

Secure Configuration: Applications are secure with the built-in Windows authentication and per-application configuration.

Languages: The .NET framework is language independent. This means you can choose basically any programming language which best suits your application.

Separation of Content & Program Logic: The content and the program logic are separated in the .NET Framework, thus reducing the program inconveniences.

.NET is a widely used framework for developing custom software applications. Have you ever used .NET? We would love to hear your thoughts in the comments! Do you have a software project or idea but don’t know what the next step is? Contact us today and bring your project or idea to the SWAN Wedge Team for a FREE technical discovery roadmap of your prospective software project.