The .NET Framework (.NET) is the most popular technology for developing applications for the Microsoft Platform. .NET has been in existence for over a decade and, with the recent release of Version 4.5.1, is in its eighth major release. It is unarguably one of the most comprehensive development platforms in existence today.

The .NET Framework consists of a runtime environment called the Common Language Runtime (CLR), a standard library called the Base Class Library (BCL), and a complex hierarchy of higher-level libraries for developing applications that target Microsoft's mobile, desktop, video game console, server, cloud operating systems, products, and services. Third-party versions of the .NET Framework also exist for non-Microsoft platforms, including OS X, iOS, Linux, and Android (http://xamarin.com).

The CLR provides a virtual execution environment for all .NET applications; this includes a common type system, self-tuning memory management, optimized...