.Net Framework Class Library consist of predefined reusable classes, interface and types. It also provides core programming features such as Reflection, File IO, XML, Collections etc. All the core classes interface and types can be used with any .NET Framework programming languages such as C#, VB.NET, J# to develop complex enterprise window and web application.
In order to use functionality of base classes you must need to include namespace on which the calling function is belong. For example, System namespace is require to for value and reference type, System.Collections namespace is require to use Lists, hashtables and dictionaries in you program.
The below table contains a list of each class of the base class library and a brief description of what they provide.
Namespace | Description |
---|---|
System | This namespace includes data types, console, match and arrays, etc. |
System.CodeDom | This namespace responsible for creation of code at runtime and the ability to run it. |
System.Collections | This namespace contains Lists, stacks, hashtables and dictionaries |
System.ComponentModel | This namespace provides licensing, controls and type conversion capabilities |
System.Configuration | This namespace is used for reading and writing program configuration data |
System.Data | This namespace is responsible for ADO.NET |
System.Deployment | This namespace is for upgrading capabilities via ClickOnce |
System.Diagnostics | This namespace provides tracing, logging, performance counters, etc. functionality |
System.DirectoryServices | This namespace is used to access the Active Directory |
System.Drawing | This namespace contains the GDI+ functionality for graphics support |
System.EnterpriseServices | This namespace for working with COM+ from .NET |
System.Globalization | This namespace is supports the localization of custom programs |
System.IO | This namespace is provides connection to file system and the reading and writing to data streams such as files |
System.Linq | This namespace responsible for execution of LINQ queries |
System.Linq.Expressions | This namespace contains delegates and lambda expressions |
System.Management | This namespace provides access to system information such as CPU utilization, storage space, etc. |
System.Media | This namespace contains methods to play sounds |
System.Messaging | This namespace is used when message queues are required within an application, superseded by WCF |
System.Net | This namespace provides access to network protocols such as SSL, HTTP, SMTP and FTP |
System.Reflection | This namespace is used to read, create and invoke class information. |
System.Resources | This namespace is used when localizing a program in relation to language support on web or form controls |
System.Runtime | This namespace contains functionality which allows the management of runtime behavior. |
System.Security | This namespace provides hashing and the ability to create custom security systems using policies and permissions. |
System.ServiceProcess | This namespace is used when a windows service is required |
System.Text | This namespace provides the StringBuilder class, plus regular expression capabilities |
System.Threading | This namespace contains methods to manage the creation, synchronization and pooling of program threads |
System.Timers | This namespace provides the ability to raise events or take an action within a given timer period. |
System.Transactions | This namespace contains methods for the management of transactions |
System.Web | This namespace is used for ASP.NET capabilities such as Web Services and browser communication. |
System.Windows.Forms | This namespace containing the interface into the Windows API for the creation of Windows Forms programs. |
System.Xml | This namespace provides the methods for reading, writing, searching and changing XML documents and entities. |