What is .NET Framework?
'''.NET Framework''' (pronounced dot net) is a product of [[Microsoft]]. It is a [[computer programming|programming]] [[framework]] used by [[Computer program|Software applications]] in order to [[Execution (computing)|run]].<ref name=Sinha11>Chandan Sinha, ''.Net Framework - Quick Reference Guide'' (Google e-book, 2014), p. 11</ref> It has two major parts: the [[Common Language Runtime]] (CLR) and the .NET Framework [[Class Library]]. The CLR is an [[Software engine|execution engine]] used to handle running [[Computer program|programs]]. The class library provides a library of reusable [[Source code|code]] that applications can use.<ref name=ThaiIX>Thuan Thai; Hoang Lam, ''.NET Framework Essentials'' (Beijing: O'Reilly, 2003), p. ix</ref> These are designed to greatly simplify the development of larger applications.<ref name=ThaiIX/> .NET Framework supports [[Object-oriented programming]] (OOP).<ref name=Patrick>{{cite web |url=http://www.informit.com/articles/article.aspx?p=680832&seqNum=2 |title=An Introduction to .NET for Beginners |author=Tim Patrick |date=7 September 2007 |website= |publisher=Pearson Education, Informit. |access-date=30 December 2014}}</ref> Everything in .NET is contained in an [[Object (computer science)|object]].<ref name=Patrick/> It also greatly simplifies [[Microsoft Windows|Windows]] programming.<ref name=Patrick/> Often, a program will ask for a particular [[Software versioning|version]] of .NET Framework to be installed (see below).<ref name=Purdy>{{cite web |url=http://lifehacker.com/5791578/what-is-the-net-framework-and-why-do-i-need-it |title=What Is the .NET Framework, and Why Do I Need It? |author=Kevin Purdy |date=13 April 2011 |website= |publisher=lifehacker |access-date=30 December 2014}}</ref> It is usually recommended to install the latest version your [[operating system]] (OS) will support.<ref name=Purdy/> This is because of [[backward compatibility]]; the newer version will also support older versions. [[Visual Studio Tools for Applications|Visual Studio]] is the ma