The information presented in this chapter sets the stage for Chapter 3, which introduces the all-important .NET Framework class library. Now when you encounter the term “class�or “struct,�you’ll know precisely what it means. When you use a class that has a Close or Dispose method, you’ll realize that it probably wraps an unmanaged resource that shouldn’t wait to be freed until the garbage collector runs. You’ll understand how code that uses types defined in the FCL dynamically links to FCL assemblies. And you’ll know how to respond gracefully when the FCL throws an exception.

Without further delay, therefore, let’s peel the curtain away from the .NET Framework class library and learn how to use it to write great applications.