Paths to Managed Code: A Survey of .NET Languages
One of the core strengths of the .NET platform is the complete level of language interoperability.
Assemblies can be developed and used by any .NET language. All .NET languages use the same namespaces,
same types, and same runtime facilities. Out of the box, the .NET SDK includes VB, C#, C++/ CLI, and JScript.
NET.
VB (also known as VB .NET):
• The changes from previous versions are so significant that many consider VB.NET a brand new language.
• Although the core syntax from VB6 has remained, VB adds many new features while dropping support
for some VB6 idioms (many of which were arcane hacks anyway).
• VB contains some syntax and semantic changes to create a more modern, elegant, and consistent language.
C# (pronounced “see sharp”):
• A YACDL (Yet Another C Derived Language), it joins C++ and Java in embracing semicolons, curly
brackets, and case sensitivity.
• C# combines the best of Java, COM, and C++ under one modern language.
C++ / CLI:
• C++ developers using the Microsoft compiler can use some new keywords to build .NET assemblies
rather than native binaries.
• The combination of C++ and .NET is powerful but dangerous. Like any C++ development, you need to
be aware of the internals or risk getting burned.
• This language is commonly used to wrap legacy C++ types and expose them to .NET.
JScript .NET:
• It includes extensions to JScript (also known as ECMAScript) for .NET development.
• JScript .NET is fully backward compatible. JScript .NET compilers will compile JScript code.
Be aware that numerous other .NET-aware languages exist, all of which have been developed by vendors other
than Microsoft. .NET compilers exist for COBOL, APL, Eiffel, Pascal, and more.
Check out http://www.dotnetlanguages.net for more details (click on the Resources link on the top of the page
to see the following list).
One of the core strengths of the .NET platform is the complete level of language interoperability.
Assemblies can be developed and used by any .NET language. All .NET languages use the same namespaces,
same types, and same runtime facilities. Out of the box, the .NET SDK includes VB, C#, C++/ CLI, and JScript.
NET.
VB (also known as VB .NET):
• The changes from previous versions are so significant that many consider VB.NET a brand new language.
• Although the core syntax from VB6 has remained, VB adds many new features while dropping support
for some VB6 idioms (many of which were arcane hacks anyway).
• VB contains some syntax and semantic changes to create a more modern, elegant, and consistent language.
C# (pronounced “see sharp”):
• A YACDL (Yet Another C Derived Language), it joins C++ and Java in embracing semicolons, curly
brackets, and case sensitivity.
• C# combines the best of Java, COM, and C++ under one modern language.
C++ / CLI:
• C++ developers using the Microsoft compiler can use some new keywords to build .NET assemblies
rather than native binaries.
• The combination of C++ and .NET is powerful but dangerous. Like any C++ development, you need to
be aware of the internals or risk getting burned.
• This language is commonly used to wrap legacy C++ types and expose them to .NET.
JScript .NET:
• It includes extensions to JScript (also known as ECMAScript) for .NET development.
• JScript .NET is fully backward compatible. JScript .NET compilers will compile JScript code.
Be aware that numerous other .NET-aware languages exist, all of which have been developed by vendors other
than Microsoft. .NET compilers exist for COBOL, APL, Eiffel, Pascal, and more.
Check out http://www.dotnetlanguages.net for more details (click on the Resources link on the top of the page
to see the following list).
Copyright (c) 2008. Intertech, Inc. All Rights Reserved. This information is to be used exclusively as an
online learning aid. Any attempts to copy, reproduce, or use for training is strictly prohibited.
online learning aid. Any attempts to copy, reproduce, or use for training is strictly prohibited.
Managed Languages
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