34,333
edits
Changes
no edit summary
C# is the latest progression in a never ending quest to make it as easy and efficient as possible for humans to program computers. Whilst it would be easy to simply describe C# as just another object oriented programming language developed by Mcirosfot and ratified by ECMA and ISO, the fact is that C# is actually an integral part of an entire development and execution infrastructure. There primary object of this chapter of [[C Sharp Essentials]] is to provide an overview of both C# and the infrastructure on which it relies. By the end of this chapter it is intended that you have a clear understanding of what acronyms such as CLI, CLR, VES, JIT and .NET mean.
== The Brief History of Computer Programming Language ==
Beyond the basics there is also the ''Framework Class Library''. This is a Microsoft library which contains APIs for the creation of graphical user interfaces, database applications, web access and much, much more.
== Non Microsoft Implementation of the CLI ==
Microsoft's implementation of the CLI stack is called .NET. .NET is not, however, the only implementation available. Another implementation provided by Microsoft is called ''Rotor''. Rotor is available for Windows, Mac OS and FreeBSD and is availabel in source form. Rotor, however, is primarily a learning tool is licensed under terms which prohibit use as a basis of commercial applications.
Other significant implementations the Mono and DotGNU projects which is are open source CLI implementation targeted at Windows, Linux and Unix platforms. Whilst these are significant and well implemented CLI stacks, the majority of C# development is taking place on Windows systems and as such this will be the primary focus of this book.