condensed introduction to the Microsoft .NET Framework, this book aims to help programmersmake the transition from traditional Windows programming into the world of .NET programming. TheMicrosoft .NET Framework includes the Common Language Runtime (CLR) and a set of base classesthat radically simplify the development of large-scale applications and services. This book examinesthe CLR in detail, so that you can put its new features to good use. The book also illustrates howlanguage integration really works and guides you through component and enterprise developmentusing the .NET Framework. In addition, it introduces you to four key .NET technologies: Data(ADO.NET) and XML, Web Services, Web Forms (ASP.NET), and Windows Forms.We used Beta 2 of the .NET SDK to prepare this manuscript and to develop all the examples andfigures in this book. While we have done our best to ensure that the technical content of this book isup-to -date, it is possible that some items have changed slightly from the time of writing. By the timethis book gets to you, there may be a newer release. Also, check http://msdn.microsoft.com/net