The complete answer to the question “What is .NET?” has proven elusive in part because the scale and scope of the .NET initiative contains so many elements. The essence of .NET can be found in the new programming model that .NET introduces for Microsoft Windows®.

.NET provides a programming model that extends from small-screen mobile and embedded devices, through the personal computer (desktop, laptop, or tablet) up to server-scale systems. .NET provides a unified way to develop many different kinds of software applications, including traditional GUI applications, applications accessible via Web-browsers, and back-end Web Service applications. The .NET initiative unifies the software development and incorporates a broad set of application types through the following common core elements:

Well-designed programming interface

Common Intermediate Language

Common Language Runtime

Common Language Specification

Common Type System

Common Language Infrastructure