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.NET Framework Version and Assembly Information

Disclaimer: This topic is part of a developing model for presenting metadata about the .NET Framework. The data is subject to correction and the final reports may differ in their layout and content.

This page provides reports about the released versions of the .NET Framework.

.NET Framework Version

Topics and Reports

Feature Highlights

4

What’s New in the .NET Framework Version 4 – includes reports of new types and members.

Migration Guide to the .NET Framework 4 – includes reports of obsolete types and members.

Migration Issues for .NET Framework 4 Applications: Beta 2 to RTM

Documentation: .NET Framework Class Library Version 4

The .NET Framework version 4 has no dependencies on previous installations or versions of the .NET Framework. It is designed to run side-by-side with other versions of the .NET Framework on the same computer.

New features include an improved security model, the Managed Extensibility Framework, Parallel Computing, and new and improved features in the following areas:

  • Application Compatibility and Deployment
  • Common Language Runtime
  • Base Class Libraries
  • Networking
  • Web
  • Client
  • Data
  • Windows Communication Foundation
  • Windows Workflow Foundation

3.5 SP1

What’s New in the .NET Framework Version 3.5 SP1

.NET Framework 3.5 SP1 Migration Issues

.NET Framework Assemblies by Version 

API Differences - 3.5 to 3.5 SP1:
- Summary
- by Namespace
- by Assembly

Note that the .NET Framework 2.0 SP2 and 3.0 SP2 service packs are installed by installing the .NET Framework 3.5 SP1. They provide functionality for future infrastructure.

Documentation: .NET Framework Class Library Version 3.5

Provides performance improvements for the CLR, Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF), and Windows Communication Foundation (WCF). This version also provides the following new features:

  • The .NET Framework Client Profile, which is a subset of the full .NET Framework that targets client applications.
  • Garbage collection notifications.
  • Customized branding for ClickOnce applications.
  • An expanded ADO.NET data platform.

3.5

What’s New in the .NET Framework Version 3.5

Obsolete in 3.5

.NET Framework Assemblies by Version 

Documentation: .NET Framework Class Library Version 3.5

Provides several CLR performance improvements and introduces the following technologies:

  • Language Integrated Query (LINQ).
  • Add-ins and extensibility.
  • Garbage collection latency modes.
  • Interprocess communication with pipes.
  • Reflection emit in partial trust.
  • Cryptography Suite B support.
  • New compilers for C#, Visual Basic, and C++.
  • Improved support for the development of AJAX-enabled Web sites. 

3.0

What’s New in the .NET Framework Version 3.0

.NET Framework Assemblies by Version 

Documentation: .NET Framework Class Library Version 3.0

Adds the following technologies to the .NET Framework:

  • Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF).
  • Windows Communication Foundation (WCF).
  • Window Workflow Foundation (WF).

No new features were added to the common language runtime and base class libraries in the .NET Framework 3.0.

2.0

What’s New in the .NET Framework Version 2.0

Obsolete in 2.0

Migration Issues in 2.0

.NET Framework Assemblies by Version 

Documentation: .NET Framework Class Library Version 2.0

Provides the core architecture for versions 2.0, 3.0, and 3.5.

Extends the version 1.0 and 1.1 functionality of the CLR and base class libraries in the following areas:

  • Support for generic types and methods.
  • New compilers for C#, Visual Basic, C++, and J#.
  • ADO.NET.
  • ASP.NET.
  • Windows Forms.
  • Web services.

1.1

What’s New in the .NET Framework Version 1.1

Documentation: .NET Framework Class Library Version 1.1