CLI Languages are computer programming languages that are used to produce libraries and programs that conform to the Common Language Infrastructure specifications. With some notable exceptions, most CLI languages compile entirely to the Common Intermediate Language (CIL), an intermediate language that can be executed using an implementation of CLI such as the Common Language Runtime (CLR), a part of the Microsoft .NET Framework, Mono, or Portable.NET. As the program is being executed by the CLR, the CIL code is compiled and cached, just in time, to the machine code appropriate for the architecture on which the program is running. This last set can be shortcut manually and cached at an earlier stage using an "ahead of time" compiler such as Microsoft's ngen.exe and Mono's "-aot" option. This book is your ultimate resource for .NET programming languages. Here you will find the most up-to-date information, analysis, background and everything you need to know. In easy to read chapters, with extensive references and links to get you to know all there is to know about .NET programming languages right away, covering: List of CLI languages, A Sharp (.NET), Abstract State Machine Language, Ada (programming language), APL (programming language), Axum (programming language), Bistro Framework, Boo (programming language), C Sharp (programming language), C++/CLI, COBOL, Cobra (programming language from Cobra Language LLC), Cola (programming language), Common Intermediate Language, Component Pascal, F Sharp (programming language), Fantom (programming language), IronLisp, IronPython, IronRuby, IronScheme, J Sharp, JScript .NET, L Sharp, M (programming language), Managed Extensions for C++, Mercury (programming language), Microsoft Small Basic, Microsoft Visual C Sharp, Nemerle, Oxygene (programming language), P Sharp, Scala (programming language), Script.NET, VistaSmalltalk, Visual Basic .NET, Windows PowerShell. This book explains in-depth the real drivers and workings of .NET programming languages. It reduces the risk of your technology, time and resources investment decisions by enabling you to compare your understanding of .NET programming languages with the objectivity of experienced professionals.