Microsoft has released the .NET Framework SDK, giving developers an inexpensive way to evaluate and work with Microsoft's new .NET Framework platform. The platform aims to simplify development of Windows applications (especially Web applications and services) and make those applications more reliable and secure. (See ".NET Framework Forces Decisions" on page 3 of the Oct. 2001 Update, and "ASP.NET Improves Development of Web Applications" on the page 3 of the Jan. 2002 Update.)

SDK Delivers Basics for .NET Programs

The SDK includes the following:

• ASP.NET, a service for dynamic Web pages, which replaces Active Server Pages (ASP).
• The Common Language Runtime (CLR), a software component that loads and executes applications.
• The .NET Framework class libraries, code libraries that applications use for functions such as graphical user interfaces, networking, and data access.
• Compilers for the C# (pronounced "C-sharp") and Visual Basic .NET programming languages, which generate code for applications that run under the CLR and use the class libraries.
• Tools for application packaging, installation, and debugging.

Developers must distribute the CLR, the class libraries, and possibly ASP.NET with all applications created with the SDK, as they are not currently bundled with any Windows operating system. Redistribution is permitted by the SDK license.

VS.NET and Mobile Tools Augment SDK

The tools delivered in the SDK run from a command prompt; the SDK does not include the Visual Studio .NET (VS.NET) integrated development environment (IDE) or the numerous graphical editors and wizards VS.NET delivers to speed coding and debugging. VS.NET has been released to Microsoft Developer Network (MSDN) subscribers and will be generally available Feb. 13, 2002.

In conjunction with the SDK, Microsoft has also posted a production version of the Mobile Internet Toolkit, which enables developers to create ASP.NET applications that serve browser-equipped phones and other types of portable devices.

Requirements and Resources

The SDK requires Windows NT 4.0, Windows 2000, or Windows XP. Applications created with the SDK can run on these systems as well as Windows 98 Second Edition and Windows Me. The .NET Framework SDK also requires Internet Explorer 5.01 or later and the Microsoft Data Access Components 2.6 or later (for applications that use data access). Developers who want to use ASP.NET must install Internet Information Services (and its latest security patches) before installing the SDK.

A forthcoming Directions on Microsoft Research Report, "The .NET Development Platform," will provide an overview of the .NET Framework, ASP.NET, and Visual Studio.NET and explain the roles they play in Microsoft's strategy.

The 137 MB .NET Framework SDK download is available at msdn.microsoft.com/downloads/sample.asp?url=/msdn-files/027/000/976/msdncompositedoc.xml&frame=true.

A 20MB download of the redistributable components required to run applications is at msdn.microsoft.com/downloads/sample.asp?url=/msdn-files/027/001/829/msdncompositedoc.xml&frame=true.

The Mobile Internet Toolkit is at msdn.microsoft.com/downloads/sample.asp?url=/msdn-files/027/001/817/msdncompositedoc.xml&frame=true.