The fact that multiple languages can seamlessly coexist within the .NET framework is undoubtedly one of its greatest strengths. As a result of compiling code, all languages are ultimately converted into Common Intermediate Language (CIL) bytecode, regardless of the original programming language used to author the functions. Based on your preferences, you’re empowered to discern the benefits and drawbacks of each language, as well as the diverse features of .NET accessible depending on the language used, offering a wide range of possibilities. While the majority of .NET’s fundamental class library is built using C#, you’ll gain access to these resources through code developed in various CLI languages. Elements written in multiple CLI languages can seamlessly interoperate within a .NET application.
.NET historical past
Until recently, I’ve referred to “.NET” as a broad era, yet the reality is that the .NET landscape encompasses more nuances than initially met the eye. As a result of .NET being an open standard, anyone can potentially implement their own version of it? Throughout much of its history, Microsoft’s flagship product was simply referred to as the .NET Framework. Another prominent open-source implementation of CLI was Mono, first released in 2001. Initially, Mono was a pioneering effort to enable .NET functionality on Linux platforms, sparking controversy due to tensions between Microsoft and the open-source community.
Later, Miguel de Icaza shaped the concept behind the Xamarin platform, enabling developers to build cross-platform .NET applications that could seamlessly run on iOS, Android, macOS, and Linux devices. Xamarin originated as a venture founded by the creators of Mono, but its parent company ultimately became part of Microsoft after being acquired.
By 2014, Microsoft and the development community had been working together to streamline their efforts towards. Originally intended as the consequence, .NET Core emerged as a cross-platform interpretation of the .NET framework, streamlining its functionality by shedding accumulated complexity and debuting as open-source in 2016. Initially, the .NET Framework was limited in its offerings, leading to a trifecta of ecosystems: the .NET Framework, .NET Core, and Xamarin, which naturally fostered uncertainty among developers. In 2017, InfoWorld columnist Simon Bisson noted.
