The
Compact Framework is a trimmed-down version of the Microsoft .NET
Framework that targets Windows CE based mobile/embedded devices such as
PDAs, mobile phones, factory controllers, set-top boxes, etc.
The
.NET Compact Framework provides you with the tools and platform library
support for building the next generation of smart device applications.
Some of the very powerful features of .NET Compact Framework 2.0 are
its enhanced ability for building user interfaces, a new mobile
database engine and associated tools for creating data-centric
applications with more ease.
There are tow primary components
of .NET compact Framework: the development environment and the runtime
environment. The development environment is also known as Smart Device
Extensions (SDE). SDE is a new Visual Studio .NET project type that
lets you create a very sophisticated UI by using variety of controls.
The second component of .NET compact framework is the Compact Framework
Common Language Runtime (CLR), as managed code. This Compact Framework
CLR is already available on many new Pocket PC devices; alternatively,
you can install it separately on earlier devices. Smaller size of the
CLR and relevant class libraries are well suited for mobile devices.
The
Compact Framework is first choice for most enterprise mobile solutions
(e.g., field force automation, sales force automation), because of its
rich application environment in which the application and database run
locally on the device. The Compact Framework also lets you use barcode
scanners, magnetic stripe readers, mobile printers, and advanced
features such as signature capture.
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