The Role of Common Intermediate Language

.NET language compilers do not emit native platform code.  Rather, they emit platform-independent
instructions called the Common Intermediate Language (CIL).  Unlike Java bytecode, CIL is not interpreted. It
is just-in-time compiled (JITed) at runtime.  You may see CIL referred to by a few other names: IL or MSIL.


CIL is just-in-time compiled (JITed) to the target platform at runtime.  A block of code (method) is JITed when
it is first called by a client. The JITed version of the code is cached for subsequent use.  Alternately, you can
use the ngen.exe utility to pre-JIT an entire assembly.  Surprisingly, pre-JITing does not always mean better
performance. UI intensive applications seem to benefit the most from pre-JITing.
Copyright (c) 2008.  Intertech, Inc. All Rights Reserved.  This information is to be used exclusively as an
online learning aid.  Any attempts to copy, reproduce, or use for training is strictly prohibited.
Common Intermediate Language (CIL)
online learning aid.  Any attempts to copy, reproduce, or use for training is strictly prohibited.
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