C# and the .NET Framework: The C++ Perspective

The CLR in Relation to .NET

The block diagram shown in Figure 1.2.1 shows the CLR in relation to the general .NET framework.

Figure 1.2.1. The CLR and the .NET framework.

The CLR in Detail

As a subcomponent of the .NET framework, the CLR itself is built up from individual parts. Figure 1.2.2 shows those pieces in relation to one another.

Figure 1.2.2. Detail of the CLR subsections.

As you can see from Figure 1.2.2, the primary function of the CLR is as a class loader. It loads classes that you create or that are supplied as part of the base class ...