Microsoft environment uses standard internet
protocols
What is it?
The .net Framework provides the infrastructure for Microsoft's
web services platform. Version 2.0 was launched alongside Visual
Studio .net last year.
Microsoft describes the .net Framework as "a development and
execution environment that allows different programming languages
and libraries to work together seamlessly to create Windows-based
applications that are easier to build, manage, deploy and integrate
with other networked systems". It consists of the Common Language
Runtime (CLR) - a language-neutral development and execution
environment, providing services to manage applications and data -
and the Framework Class Libraries - a large collection of
pre-packaged object oriented functionality
Changes in .net Framework 2.0 will make applications written for
.net Framework 1.0 and 1.1 behave differently at runtime. Microsoft
said there are not many of these, and they are mostly obscure or
trivial (the example given on the .net Developer Center website is
"The ISO tag in System. Globalization for Kyrgyzstan was updated
from KZ to KG").
Where did it originate?
With origins in projects such as Com+Runtime, .net was announced
in 2000 and given an 18-month public appraisal. Version 1.1 came
out with Visual Studio 2003.
What's it for?
Building Windows and web-based applications and web services.
The .net Framework uses standard internet protocols and
specifications such as TCP/IP, HTTP, Soap and XML, which allow the
integration of data and functionality on different platforms,
although the technology remains centred on Microsoft's servers and
is best supported by Visual Studio .net.
About 20 programming languages are supported by the Common
Language Specification (CLS), meaning developers can work with the
one they are most comfortable with. The CLS also enables developers
to design public programming interfaces that can be used by all
supported languages. The pre-packaged functionality in the
Framework Class Libraries speed up development by reducing coding
and testing. The CLR deals with services such as language
integration, security enforcement, and memory, process and thread
management.
What makes it special?
Code and data are managed by the CLR, which takes on the burden
of tasks such as memory management and garbage collection, type
safety and ensuring interoperability with classes written in other
languages. However, there is a performance overhead: unmanaged code
is usually faster.
How difficult is it to master?
To qualify as a Microsoft certified solution developer for .net,
trainers recommend taking two ASP.net courses and one Ado.net
course, totalling 11 days.
Where is it used?
The number of job adverts seeking .net skills rose by more than
50% last year, and .net is now the ninth most requested skill,
according to the SSL/Computer Weekly Survey of Appointments Data
and Trends.
What systems does it run on?
Although the .net Framework is intended for Windows platforms,
there are alternative CLR implementations for Linux, Mac OS/OS X
and other operating systems. These include Rotor, Mono and GNU's
Portable .net.
What's coming up?
The .net Framework 2.0 Software Development Kit is available as
a free download.
http://msdn.microsoft.com/netframework
Rates of pay
Junior developers working with the .net Framework can earn about
£20,000 a year. This rises to £35,000-plus for senior
developers.
Training
The Microsoft .net Framework Software Development Kit Quickstart
tutorials can be found on the Microsoft-backed Godotnet site. There
are also many independent sites offering tutorials.
http://samples.gotdotnet.com/
quickstart