.NET Framework Class Library Reference

The .NET Framework Class Library provides a vast collection of reusable types, including classes, interfaces, and value types, that you can use to build your applications. This comprehensive library covers a wide range of functionalities, from basic programming tasks to advanced application development.

Key Areas of the Framework Reference

Explore the different namespaces to find the classes and types you need for your .NET development:

Core .NET Namespaces

• System: Contains fundamental types, base classes, and value types that are used throughout the .NET Framework. This is the most basic and widely used namespace.
• System.Collections: Provides interfaces and classes that define collections of objects, such as lists, dictionaries, and sets.
• System.IO: Offers types for reading from and writing to various data sources and sinks, including files, streams, and memory.
• System.Text: Includes classes for working with character encodings, string manipulation, and regular expressions.
• System.Threading: Provides types that support multithreaded applications, including thread management, synchronization primitives, and asynchronous operations.

Application Development Namespaces

• System.Net: Contains types that support network programming, enabling communication over various protocols like HTTP, TCP, and UDP.
• System.Xml: Provides classes for parsing, creating, and processing XML documents, including support for XPath and XSLT.
• System.Data: Offers classes for working with databases, allowing you to connect to data sources, execute commands, and retrieve data.
• System.Windows.Forms: Enables the development of rich client applications with graphical user interfaces.
• System.Web: Provides types for building web applications and services, including ASP.NET features.

Advanced Topics

• System.Linq: Introduces Language Integrated Query (LINQ), a powerful feature for querying collections and data sources.
• System.Reflection: Allows inspection of metadata and manipulation of code at runtime, useful for dynamic programming.
• System.Security: Provides types for implementing security features, including authentication, authorization, and cryptography.

For a complete list and detailed documentation of all namespaces and types, please refer to the .NET API Browser.

How to Use the Framework Reference

This section serves as a gateway to the vast .NET Framework Class Library. You can:

• Browse by Namespace: Use the navigation pane on the left to select a specific namespace and explore its classes, interfaces, enumerations, and structures.
• Search the API: Utilize the search bar at the top of the page to quickly find specific types, members, or keywords.
• Understand Type Details: Each type's page provides comprehensive information, including member lists (properties, methods, events), constructors, inheritance hierarchies, and code examples.

Mastering the .NET Framework Class Library is essential for efficient and effective .NET development.