The Common Language Runtime is the runtime environment of loading and execution of programs that use the managed environment. It acts as a layer of abstraction between the .NET applications and the host Operating System. In other words, it acts as a Virtual CPU for the loading and execution of programs that are targeted at it. The CLR is responsible for managing the MSIL code and is responsible for all of the following.

·         Memory Management

·         Garbage Collection

·         Cross - Language Compatibility

·         Versioning

·         Deployment