5.2 Common Language Runtime (CLR), Managed Code, and Managed DataThe Common Language Runtime (CLR) is an environment that manages code execution and provides application-development services. Compilers such as VB.NET expose the CLR's functionality to enable developers to create applications. Code that is created under this environment is called managed code . Note that COM components are not managed code, although they (as well as other unmanaged code) can be used in applications that are built under the CLR. The output of a compiler includes metadata , which is information that describes the objects that are part of an application, such as:
Metadata is used by the CLR to do such things as:
The metadata in a compiled software component makes the component self- describing. This implies that components, even those written in another language, can interact with the given component directly. Objects that are managed by the CLR are referred to as managed data . (It is also possible to use unmanaged data in applications.) |