Chapter 1. Inside the CLR
Since CLR is just a generic name for different tools and software based on well-known and accepted principles in computing, we'll begin with a review of some of the most important concepts of software programming that we often take for granted. So, to put things in context, this chapter reviews the most important concepts around the motivations for the creation of .NET, how this framework integrates with the Windows operating system, and what makes the so called CLR the excellent runtime it is.
In short, this chapter covers the following topics:
- A brief, but carefully selected, dictionary of the common terms and concepts utilized in general and .NET programming
- A rapid review of goals after the creation of .NET and the main architects behind its construction
- Explanations of each of the main parts that compose the CLR, its tools, and how the tools work
- A basic approach to the complexity of algorithms and how to measure it
- A select list of the most outstanding characteristics related to the CLR that appeared in recent versions
