Difference between Microsoft.net Framework 2.0 , 3.0 and 3.5

2.0 and 3.0 both use the 2.0 CLR (common language runtime). The only difference is addition of Windows Communication Foundation, Windows Presentation Foundation, and Workflow components in 3.0.

3.5 will be shipped with the next Visual Studio and the most dominent change is the addition of LINQ (language integrated query) technologies. There will also be new framework classes (for example, new encryption classes designed to utilize CNG). The languages themselves will probably have more significant changes than the framework. For a complete list of changes, you can view the Beta documents.

.NET Framework 2.0

• A new hosting API for native applications wishing to host an instance of the .NET runtime
• Full 64-bit support for both the x64 and the IA64 hardware platforms.
• Language support for Generics built directly into the .NET CLR.
• Many additional and improved ASP.NET web controls.
• New data controls with declarative data binding.
• New personalization features for ASP.NET, such as support for themes, skins and webparts.

.NET Framework 3.0 and 3.5

• Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF), formerly code-named Avalon; a new user interface subsystem and API based on XML and vector graphics, which will make use of 3D computer graphics hardware and Direct3D technologies.
• Windows Communication Foundation (WCF), formerly code-named Indigo; a service-oriented messaging system which allows programs to interoperate locally or remotely similar to web services.
• Windows Workflow Foundation (WWF) allows for building of task automation and integrated transactions using workflows.
• Windows CardSpace (WCS), formerly code-named InfoCard; a software component which securely stores a person's digital identities and provides a unified interface for choosing the identity for a particular transaction, such as logging in to a website.

2.0 => framework that shipped with VS 2005 VB 8.0 / C# 2.0
3.0 => same framework as 2.0 + WCF + WPF + WF
3.5 => all the above + LINQ technologies and will ship with the next VS including VB 9.0 and C#

Regards
Muhammad.Kalim
muhammad.kalim@avaricesoft.com
www.avaricesoft.com