.net framework facts for kids
.NET Framework (pronounced dot net) is a special tool made by Microsoft. Think of it like a big toolbox that computer programs use to work properly. It helps software applications run smoothly on your computer.
This framework has two main parts that work together:
- The Common Language Runtime (CLR)
- The .NET Framework Class Library
The CLR is like an engine for computer programs. When you open an app that uses .NET, the CLR helps it start and run. It manages things like memory and makes sure the program works correctly.
The Class Library is a huge collection of ready-made instructions, or "code," that programmers can use. Instead of writing every single piece of code from scratch, developers can grab these pre-built parts. This makes building big and complicated programs much easier and faster.
.NET Framework is also designed to work well with Object-oriented programming (OOP). In OOP, everything in a program is organized into "objects," which are like self-contained blocks of code and data. This way of programming helps keep things tidy and makes it easier to manage large projects. It also makes creating programs for Microsoft Windows much simpler.
Why Different Versions Matter
Sometimes, a computer program might need a specific version of .NET Framework to be installed on your computer. It's usually a good idea to install the newest version that your computer's operating system can handle. This is because newer versions are often "backward compatible." This means they can usually run programs made for older versions of .NET Framework too. So, having the latest version helps ensure more programs will work.
Tools for Developers
Visual Studio is the main tool that programmers use to create applications with .NET Framework. It's like a special workshop where developers write, test, and build their software. Visual Studio 2013 Community Edition was an important release because it offered a full set of features for people doing personal development projects. Visual Studio also includes tools for many different programming languages, like C++, which helps developers write code in the language they prefer.
| Version | CLR | Release date |
Shipped With Visual Studio |
Preinstalled with Windows | Embraces | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Client | Server | |||||
| 1.0[0] | 1.0 | February 13, 2002 | .NET 2002 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 1.1 | 1.1 | April 24, 2003 | .NET 2003 | N/A | 2003 | N/A |
| 2.0 | 2.0 | November 7, 2005 | 2005 | N/A | 2003 R2 | N/A |
| 3.0 | 2.0 | November 6, 2006 | N/A | Vista | 2008 | 2.0 |
| 3.5 | 2.0 | November 19, 2007 | 2008 | 7 | 2008 R2 | 3.0 |
| 4.0 | 4 | April 12, 2010 | 2010 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 4.5 | 4 | August 15, 2012 | 2012 | 8 | 2012 | 4.0 |
| 4.5.1 | 4 | October 17, 2013 | 2013 | 8.1 | 2012 R2 | 4.5 |
| 4.5.2 | 4 | May 5, 2014 | N/A | N/A | N/A | 4.5.1 |
| 4.6 | 4 | July 20, 2015 | 2015 | 10 | N/A | 4.5.2 |
| 4.6.1 | 4 | November 17, 2015 | 2015 Update 1 | N/A | N/A | 4.6 |
| Version | Instruction Set Architecture | Installable on Windows | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Client | Server | ||
| 1.0 | IA-32[1] | 98, ME, NT 4.0 SP6a, 2000, XP | NT 4.0 SP6a, 2000 |
| 1.1 | NT 4.0 SP6a, 2000, XP,Vista | NT 4.0 SP6a, 2000, 2003, 2008 | |
| 2.0 ~ 3.5 | IA-32, x86-64, Itanium[2] | XP, Vista, 7, 8, 8.1, 10 | 2003, 2003 R2, 2008, 2008 R2, 2012, 2012 R2 |
| 4.0 | XP SP3, Vista SP1, 7, 8, 8.1, 10 | 2003 SP2, 2003 R2 SP2, 2008, 2008 R2, 2012, 2012 R2 | |
| 4.5 ~ 4.6 | IA-32, x86-64, ARM[3] | Vista SP2, 7 SP1, 8, 8.1, 10 | 2008 SP2, 2008 R2 SP1, 2012, 2012 R2 |
| 4.6.1 | 7 SP1, 8, 8.1, 10 | 2008 R2 SP1, 2012, 2012 R2 | |
- 0.^ Since service pack 1, .net framework 1.0 has been shipped with all Windows XP installation media, CD or ISO files. It is also the integral part of Windows XP Tablet PC and Media Center Edition.
- 1.^ .Net Framework 1.1 could also be installed on Itanium and x86-64 platforms.
- 2.^ .Net Framework 4.0 lacks support of some features on Itanium platform, such as WPF.
- 3.^ Since version 4.5, .net framework is also preinstalled on Windows RT and Windows RT 8.1, formed as stripped down version.
