Intermediate language

As explained in .NET in Action, Second Edition

An intermediate language is a processor-independent compiled representation that can later be translated into machine code.

Intermediate language (CIL) is a processor-independent compiled representation used by .NET. Language-specific compilers translate code into CIL, which can be packaged in a DLL and run on different operating systems and processor architectures wherever a .NET runtime is available. CIL resembles assembly but uses instructions at a higher level of abstraction. section 1.1 section 1.5.1

The execution path separates language compilation from processor-specific code generation:

• A compiler translates a language such as C# into CIL. section 1.1
• The runtime typically uses just-in-time (JIT) compilation to translate CIL into machine code as needed. section 1.5.1 section 1.5.2

Figure 1.4 .NET languages compile to CIL in a DLL file that can be run on any machine with a .NET runtime.

The diagram shows language compilers producing CIL in a DLL, then a .NET runtime converting it to machine code. section 1.5.1

How .NET in Action, Second Edition covers it

How deep it goes

Defines CIL and traces its translation through DLL packaging to runtime code generation, without teaching CIL instructions.

Examples

Uses a diagram of language compilers producing a CIL DLL for execution by a .NET runtime.

What you can do after

Understand how CIL separates language compilation from processor-specific machine-code generation.

How it connects

Connects CIL to language compilers, DLLs, the .NET runtime, and just-in-time compilation.

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Related concepts

• natural languagekind of · Natural language is a human language that develops through social use and is used for communication, in spoken or written form.
• compilerproduced by · A compiler is software that translates source code into executable code or another representation, while analyzing it according to the source language’s rules.
• dynamic librarypart of · A dynamic library is a compiled library loaded and linked with an application at startup or during execution rather than statically embedded in its executable.
• F#produced by · F# is a statically typed, functional-first, multiparadigm programming language in the .NET ecosystem.
• .NETproduced by · .NET is Microsoft's cross-platform development platform, providing runtimes, libraries, and tools for building and running applications.

This explainer was generated by Manning's knowledge graph from the text of .NET in Action, Second Edition. The section links point to the parts of the book it draws on.