The Framework (Base Class and Framework Class Libraries)

The Framework (Base Class and Framework Class Libraries)

The CLI specifies a set of base classes that must be available to executing CLI code, otherwise known as the Base Class Library (BCL). The BCL contains APIs that enable executing CIL code to interact with the runtime environment and the underlying operating system.

Beyond the basics there is also the Framework Class Library. This is a Microsoft library which contains APIs for the creation of graphical user interfaces, database applications, web access and much, much more.