.NET Micro Framework: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 13:07, 7 March 2008

Revision as of 15:53, 7 March 2008

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The '''.NET Micro Framework''' is a [[Microsoft .NET|.NET]] platform for extremely resource-constrained devices. It includes a small version of the .NET [[common language runtime|CLR]] and supports development in [[C Sharp (programming language)|C#]] and debugging (in an emulator or on hardware), both using [[Microsoft Visual Studio]]. It also features a subset of the .NET base class libraries (about 70 classes with about 420 methods), a [[GUI]] framework loosely based on [[Windows Presentation Foundation]], and additional libraries specific to embedded applications.

The .NET Micro Framework aims to make embedded development easier, faster, and less expensive by giving embedded developers access to the modern technologies and tools used by desktop application developers. Additionally, it allows desktop .NET developers to use their skills in the embedded world, enlarging the pool of qualified embedded developers.

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The .NET Micro Framework is currently supported on [[ARM architecture]] processors (including ARM7 and ARM9) and on [[Analog Devices]] [[Blackfin]]. Porting, which requires access to the .NET Micro Framework source, is performed by Microsoft and hardware partners under license from Microsoft. These partners then offer development kits and pre-built modules capable of running the framework to developers and manufacturers. Among the development kits supporting the .NET Micro Framework are [[Freescale]]'s i.MXS and EmbeddedFusion's Tahoe.

Microsoft does not charge fees for developing applications using the .NET Micro Framework and makes an SDK freely available for download (however, Visual Studio Standard or better is required; the free Visual Studio Express editions cannot be used). Distributing devices that use the .NET Micro Framework does require a license, with royalties based on volume.{{Fact|Licence for distribution devices is required?|time=2008-03-06}}

The .NET Micro Framework has its roots in Microsoft's [[Smart Personal Objects Technology|SPOT]] initiative and was used in [[MSN Direct]] products such as smart watches before being made available to third-party developers early in 2007. It is a common platform for [[Windows SideShow]] devices and is beginning to see adoption in other markets, such as home automation and sensor networks.

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*[[Windows SideShow]]

== External links ==

* [http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/embedded/bb267253.aspx .NET Micro Framework] official site at MSDN

* [http://www.msndirect.com/ MSN Direct] official site