What's New in the .NET Framework 4.5?

This topic contains a summary of key new features and improvements in the following areas of the .NET Framework 4.5. This topic does not provide comprehensive information and is subject to change. For general information about the .NET Framework, see Getting Started with the .NET Framework. For supported platforms, see System Requirements. For download links and installation instructions, see Installing the .NET Framework 4.5.



.NET for Windows Store apps

---

Windows Store apps are designed for specific form factors and leverage the power of the Windows operating system. A subset of the .NET Framework 4.5 is available for building Windows Store apps for Windows by using C# or Visual Basic. This subset is called .NET for Windows Store apps and is discussed in an overview in the Windows Dev Center.

Portable Class Libraries

---

The Portable Class Library project in Visual Studio 2012 enables you to write and build managed assemblies that work on multiple .NET Framework platforms. Using a Portable Class Library project, you choose the platforms (such as Windows Phone and .NET for Windows Store apps) to target. The available types and members in your project are automatically restricted to the common types and members across these platforms.

Core New Features and Improvements

---

The following features and improvements were added to the common language runtime and to .NET Framework classes:

• Ability to reduce system restarts by detecting and closing .NET Framework 4 applications during deployment. See Reducing System Restarts During .NET Framework 4.5 Installations.
  
• Support for arrays that are larger than 2 gigabytes (GB) on 64-bit platforms. This feature can be enabled in the application configuration file. See the gcAllowVeryLargeObjects element, which also lists other restrictions on object size and array size.
  
• Better performance through background garbage collection for servers. When you use server garbage collection in the .NET Framework 4.5, background garbage collection is automatically enabled. See the Background Server Garbage Collection section of the Fundamentals of Garbage Collection topic.
  
• Background just-in-time (JIT) compilation, which is optionally available on multi-core processors to improve application performance. See ProfileOptimization.
  
• Ability to limit how long the regular expression engine will attempt to resolve a regular expression before it times out. See the Regex.MatchTimeout property.
  
• Ability to define the default culture for an application domain. See the CultureInfo class.
  
• Console support for Unicode (UTF-16) encoding. See the Console class.
  
• Support for versioning of cultural string ordering and comparison data. See the SortVersion class.
  
• Better performance when retrieving resources. See Packaging and Deploying Resources in Desktop Apps.
  
• Zip compression improvements to reduce the size of a compressed file. See the System.IO.Compression namespace.
  
• Ability to customize a reflection context to override default reflection behavior through the CustomReflectionContext class.
  
• Support for the 2008 version of the Internationalized Domain Names in Applications (IDNA) standard when the System.Globalization.IdnMapping class is used on Windows 8.
  
• Delegation of string comparison to the operating system, which implements Unicode 6.0, when the .NET Framework is used on Windows 8. When running on other platforms, the .NET Framework includes its own string comparison data, which implements Unicode 5.x. See the String class and the Remarks section of the SortVersion class.
• Type reflection support split between Type and TypeInfo classes. See Reflection in the .NET Framework for Windows Store Apps.
  
  

Managed Extensibility Framework (MEF)

---

The Managed Extensibility Framework (MEF) provides the following new features:

• Support for generic types.
  
• Convention-based programming model that enables you to create parts based on naming conventions rather than attributes.
  
• Multiple scopes.
  
• A subset of MEF that you can use when you create Windows Store apps. This subset is available as a downloadable package from the NuGet Gallery. To install the package, open your project in Visual Studio 2012, choose Manage NuGet Packages from the Project menu, and search online for the Microsoft.Composition package.
   

Asynchronous File Operations

---

In the .NET Framework 4.5, new asynchronous features were added to the C# and Visual Basic languages. These features add a task-based model for performing asynchronous operations. To use this new model, use the asynchronous methods in the I/O classes. See Asynchronous File I/O.
 

Tools

---

Resource File Generator (Resgen.exe) enables you to create a .resw file for use in Windows Store apps from a .resources file embedded in a .NET Framework assembly. For more information, see Resgen.exe (Resource File Generator).
Managed Profile Guided Optimization (Mpgo.exe) enables you to improve application startup time, memory utilization (working set size), and throughput by optimizing native image assemblies. The command-line tool generates profile data for native image application assemblies. See Mpgo.exe (Managed Profile Guided Optimization Tool).

Parallel Computing

---

The .NET Framework 4.5 provides several new features and improvements for parallel computing. These include improved performance, increased control, improved support for asynchronous programming, a new dataflow library, and improved support for parallel debugging and performance analysis. See the entry What’s New for Parallelism in .NET 4.5 in the Parallel Programming with .NET blog.

Web

---

ASP.NET 4.5 includes the following new features:

• Support for new HTML5 form types.
  
• Support for model binders in Web Forms. These let you bind data controls directly to data-access methods, and automatically convert user input to and from .NET Framework data types.
  
• Support for unobtrusive JavaScript in client-side validation scripts.
  
• Improved handling of client script through bundling and minification for improved page performance.
  
• Integrated encoding routines from the AntiXSS library (previously an external library) to protect from cross-site scripting attacks.
  
• Support for WebSockets protocol.
  
• Support for reading and writing HTTP requests and responses asynchronously.
  
• Support for asynchronous modules and handlers.
  
• Support for content distribution network (CDN) fallback in the ScriptManager control.
  

Networking

---

The .NET Framework 4.5 provides a new programming interface for HTTP applications. For more information, see the new System.Net.Http and System.Net.Http.Headers namespaces.
Support is also included for a new programming interface for accepting and interacting with a WebSocket connection by using the existing HttpListener and related classes. For more information, see the new System.Net.WebSockets namespace and the HttpListener class.
In addition, the .NET Framework 4.5 includes the following networking improvements:

• RFC-compliant URI support. For more information, see Uri and related classes.
  
• Support for Internationalized Domain Name (IDN) parsing. For more information, see Uri and related classes.
  
• Support for Email Address Internationalization (EAI). For more information, see the System.Net.Mail namespace.
  
• Improved IPv6 support. For more information, see the System.Net.NetworkInformation namespace.
  
• Dual-mode socket support. For more information, see the Socket and TcpListener classes.
  

Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF)

---

In the .NET Framework 4.5, Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF) contains changes and improvements in the following areas:

• The new Ribbon control, which enables you to implement a ribbon user interface that hosts a Quick Access Toolbar, Application Menu, and tabs.
  
• The new INotifyDataErrorInfo interface, which supports synchronous and asynchronous data validation.
  
• New features for the VirtualizingPanel and Dispatcher classes.
  
• Improved performance when displaying large sets of grouped data, and by accessing collections on non-UI threads.
  
• Data binding to static properties, data binding to custom types that implement the ICustomTypeProvider interface, and retrieval of data binding information from a binding expression.
  
• Repositioning of data as the values change (live shaping).
  
• Ability to check whether the data context for an item container is disconnected.
  
• Ability to set the amount of time that should elapse between property changes and data source updates.
  
• Improved support for implementing weak event patterns. Also, events can now accept markup extensions.
  

Windows Communication Foundation (WCF)

---

In the .NET Framework 4.5, the following features have been added to make it simpler to write and maintain Windows Communication Foundation (WCF) applications:

• Simplification of generated configuration files.
  
• Support for contract-first development.
  
• Ability to configure ASP.NET compatibility mode more easily.
  
• Changes in default transport property values to reduce the likelihood that you will have to set them.
  
• Updates to the XmlDictionaryReaderQuotas class to reduce the likelihood that you will have to manually configure quotas for XML dictionary readers.
  
• Validation of WCF configuration files by Visual Studio as part of the build process, so you can detect configuration errors before you run your application.
  
• New asynchronous streaming support.
  
• New HTTPS protocol mapping to make it easier to expose an endpoint over HTTPS with Internet Information Services (IIS).
  
• Ability to generate metadata in a single WSDL document by appending ?singleWSDL to the service URL.
  
• Websockets support to enable true bidirectional communication over ports 80 and 443 with performance characteristics similar to the TCP transport.
  
• Support for configuring services in code.
  
• XML Editor tooltips.
  
• ChannelFactory caching support.
  
• Binary encoder compression support.
  
• Support for a UDP transport that enables developers to write services that use "fire and forget" messaging. A client sends a message to a service and expects no response from the service.
  
• Ability to support multiple authentication modes on a single WCF endpoint when using the HTTP transport and transport security.
  
• Support for WCF services that use internationalized domain names (IDNs).
  

 

Windows Workflow Foundation (WF)

---

Several new features have been added to Windows Workflow Foundation (WF) in the .NET Framework 4.5. These new features include:

• State machine workflows, which were first introduced as part of the .NET Framework 4.0.1 (.NET Framework 4 Platform Update 1). This update included several new classes and activities that enabled developers to create state machine workflows. These classes and activities were updated for the .NET Framework 4.5 to include:
  
  • The ability to set breakpoints on states.
    
  • The ability to copy and paste transitions in the workflow designer.
    
  • Designer support for shared trigger transition creation.
    
  • Activities for creating state machine workflows, including: StateMachine, State, and Transition.
    
• Enhanced Workflow Designer features such as the following:
  
  • Enhanced workflow search capabilities in Visual Studio, including Quick Find and Find in Files.
    
  • Ability to automatically create a Sequence activity when a second child activity is added to a container activity, and to include both activities in the Sequence activity.
    
  • Panning support, which enables the visible portion of a workflow to be changed without using the scroll bars.
    
  • A new Document Outline view that shows the components of a workflow in a tree-style outline view and lets you select a component in the Document Outline view.
    
  • Ability to add annotations to activities.
    
  • Ability to define and consume activity delegates by using the workflow designer.
    
  • Auto-connect and auto-insert for activities and transitions in state machine and flowchart workflows.
    
• Storage of the view state information for a workflow in a single element in the XAML file, so you can easily locate and edit the view state information.
  
• A NoPersistScope container activity to prevent child activities from persisting.
  
• Support for C# expressions:
  
  • Workflow projects that use Visual Basic will use Visual Basic expressions, and C# workflow projects will use C# expressions.
    
  • C# workflow projects that were created in Visual Studio 2010 and that have Visual Basic expressions are compatible with C# workflow projects that use C# expressions.
    
• Versioning enhancements:
  
  • The new WorkflowIdentity class, which provides a mapping between a persisted workflow instance and its workflow definition.
    
  • Side-by-side execution of multiple workflow versions in the same host, including WorkflowServiceHost.
    
  • In Dynamic Update, the ability to modify the definition of a persisted workflow instance.
    
• Contract-first workflow service development, which provides support for automatically generating activities to match an existing service contract.
  

Microsoft Student Partners | J&K

Technology is King. Everyone uses it. But YOU embrace it, explain it, and share it. Now, go for it.

The Microsoft Student Partners (MSP) program offers technical training, incredible connections, and extraordinary opportunities. We designed this program to showcase students on the rise. The MSP program is for students who realize the best technology careers come to those chase their dreams.

Microsoft Student Partners are social, friendly and approachable students who like to meet new people. MSPs are the game changers of the future. Many go forth to create innovative solutions that address the world's toughest challenges. They think and act boldly.

Get Seen Get Known: As an MSP, you'll be informed about the latest Microsoft technologies. You will acquire the tools and training to lead technology discussions on your campus. You will demonstrate the newest technologies, host tech events, and connect with like-minded students and faculty. You will be the one everyone turns to for answers and insights.

Come build your skills, ignite your career. And become a Microsoft technology leader on your campus. 

This year #Kashmir will be witnessing a good number of New MSP's viz.,

Asim Danish, Sajid Khaki, Murfad Hussain, Uzair bhat, Khalid Majeed, Danish Mehraj & Abrar Khan.
It is very fortunate that our youth is also becoming part of various such activities. I wish them great luck ahead and it will be very fantastic to work with them. And we hope they will bring change in 2013.

Sharing a little chat with, which we had lately:

ASIM DANISH

A 21 year old guy, MSP, First and yet only Windows Ucrew member from J&K says he is very enthusastic about new technologies, especially networking. He want to create awareness among youth in R&D controls and Windows server families. He is pursuing his B.Tech in C.Sc. at Islamic University of Science and Technology.
You can read his Blog or reach him via Twitter or Facebook

UZAIR BHAT

Another 21 year old guy, MSP very much into networking stuff, wanna be developer has qualified for this year MSP program with his dedication and robust development skills. He is presently persuing majors in computer Sciences.
He says "What actually inspired me for this program: Microsoft on its own is a very big corporation and are providing opportunities, like this one, is very helpful and interactive for the students. So why not take an advantage by being part of such a program."
His goal for this season will be interacting with enthusiastic students and is already dived into Windows 8 development.
You can reach him via Twitter or Facebook

SAJID KHAKI

Another wanna be developer, C# freak and having hands on windows phone 8 development lately. Sajid marks it that, "I am very crazy about developing and I like everything related to developing and designing but i want to be the master of one."
In year 2012 i was the volunteer for Microsoft Dreamspark, and as a volunteer i learnt alot about new technologies through Microsoft Msp’s and from Microsoft's great personalities. so I decided to be the part of Microsoft as MSP, and I did it by cracking certain rounds of selection, I even took Help from the existing MSP's. I am very thankful to them as well. As a MSP i would spread New technologies and trends among people,by organising technical events,sessions.debates etc.
His focus for 2013 season will be Developing Windows 8 applications and publishing same to marketplace.
You can reach him via Facebook

MURFAD A KHAN

It doesn't matter what we study, but what matters is what inspires us.

Murfad Khan is a bussiness student, But his passion for technology has turned him to be next geek. His love for XAML and XNA has turned him to Kinect X-BOX developer. But the recent trend in technology has turned him to be Windows 8 Metro application developer and he says he is already into it. His core focus till next fall will be on WP8 and Win 8 Development.
You can reach him via Facebook

KHALID MAJEED 

Being associated with technology and making use of it are two different scenarios and i am with the later. Being recognized as MSP this year isn't achievement for me but is just first step towards my goal, that's what i think. I am obsessed with technology, I love the development flow of Windows 8 Metro Applications and i simply have crush on it. Metro style Apps. turned me a XAML programmer from a .net programmer. I love presenting my skills as i did last year in Microsoft DreamSpark Yatra, and i got chance to show my Hands on Windows Phone 7
You can reach him via Facebook

An Interview with Microsoft

Tell us who you are?

Hi, I am Ashraf Wani, a Microsoft Student Partner pursuing my B.C.A (Computer Applications) from CASET Engineering College located at Srinagar J&K. Having a keen interest in Software Engineering and Information Technology, I am enjoying being with Microsoft. I love public speaking and spreading the knowledge and the technologies to maximum people I can. I have organized various seminars with existing MSP's of Srinagar at various colleges in Srinagar and near by.

Tell us about your University?

My college is an affiliate institute of Kashmir University, Srinagar. The faculties are awesome, an expert in their departments. The management is a lot helpful for the students in need, be it any sort of need. Focusing on my college, there are a few technical communities in my college, so the few technical events are organized within my campus, but I always felt a need to attend seminars and technical sessions which are generally few in my campus.

Tell us about your MSP history, when were you awarded?

My journey towards Microsoft begins with the MSP's of Srinagar when one of them came to our college for a Tech Session. I first applied for the MSP program in the year 2011 and I made it to the prestigious list in the very first attempt. The best part is, after as well as before becoming a MSP I have got a lot of opportunities to learn from the professional and even on the recent topics like Cloud, WP7, Silverlight etc. Before being a MSP I have also organized renowned seminars like Dream Spark Yatra 2011 with MSP's of Srinagar, which has helped thousands of students to know technology better and get the Microsoft software for free.
And now I can proudly say that yes I am a Microsoftie.

What do you do in order to keep up with latest tools and technologies while focusing on your education?

Being very frank, attending the sessions of Kashmir User Group or the sessions from Professionals is sufficient to know about the latest tools and technologies. But if we talk about a broader part net surfing is the best thing you can do with. I have subscribed various personalities and pages at Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc which is really a great part of being aware to latest things. At recent I am reviewing about Windows 8 developers preview, VS2010 , windows phone 7 toolkit 7.1 etc. Being a student developer, it’s important for me to stay up to date with the changes so that one day I could bring some revolutionary product of my own.
What does being an MSP mean to you? and What makes you a great MSP?

I don’t feel there is any other reward equivalent to being an MSP for a Tech Student. I'm a only MSP from my college and Microsoft has only 5 MSP's from Srinagar and I'm one of them, that makes me proud. Being an MSP, I am also aware of my duties to the student community. I have to adapt quickly to the updates and then pass it on to my fellow students. The knowledge I get by attending the conferences, seminars, and UG meets, I share that with my fellows by organizing events in my college and also in the colleges that do not have MSPs. I do invite some professionals to deliver sessions in my institute, which would have not been possible without the MSP program. MSP, though it refers to being Microsoft Student Parter but really makes you feel most special person. Me as a MSP is really a helpful hand for students at my college, specially my juniors. I generally do organize seminars and sessions on any new technology I learn about. Basic aim is to share and being updated so I just have casual sessions with my college mates, whenever I get a free time. I have also helped and organized DreamSpark Yatra 2011 and tech sessions at various colleges.

Tell us about faculty support in promoting tools and technologies?

Generally faculties are associated to most famous technologies, it really makes me feel proud to introduce them the latest and new programs or products of Microsoft. They always show a keen interest.

If you could ask Steve Ballmer one question about Microsoft, what would it be?

How everyone is so DYNAMIC at Microsoft?

Had a chance to attend “MSP Summit”? When and how was your experience?

NO

Who are your top 5 MSP’s from your country? and why?

Junaid Masoodi, Shehla Rashid, Nawaz Dhandala, M V Priyank, Shashank Saxena and the few more. They are so because they are best at approaching to students and very quick to, that’s why they are having such great heights, various other factors like infrastructure and college support really do matters in making MSP the top one.

What you think about the MSP’s role in promoting technology at your campus?

MSP’s plays a prominent roles in promoting technology. As we all know that many a times labs includes pirated software etc. It’s the group of enthusiast people who really do efforts to get the best for the college and at very low economy. That’s where MSP’s create a difference by introducing programs like MSDN academic alliance , i-spark , etc. Promoting technology is the prime motive of the MSP program and I do feel the responsibility. The curriculum taught in our colleges is not enough for the students who will join the industry at some point of time.

If you get a chance to suggest one conference in your Region? What would it be and why?

Obviously at CASET Engineering College.

What is the best thing that has happened since you have become a MSP?

Nothing special yet.

Which was the last non-technical book you read?

Don't remember. Mostly involved with technical books.

If you could do so, how would you plan your academic studies differently?

Whatever I study or read, I always do Facebook updates and Tweets related to these implementations. I would always love to go for algorithmic or practical part more than the theoretical part.

If there was one place you could travel to, right now, where would it be and why?

Dubai City, UAE or Redmond City, Washington.
I have a dream to visit the Microsoft’s headquarter and I think it’s the sufficient reason to go to Redmond and Dubai being my Dream Land.

How can one be a part of MSP Club? Any suggestions for them?

Just be interactive, be technology lover and most important apply for the MSP program. Your dedication to the student community is more important for selection than your academics. Once you get into this club, you would learn the technologies very soon and would be able to promote it.

Who are your top 5 technical experts from your country?

Not anyone yet.

What are your future plans?

To work as a Software Engineer in Microsoft, add something really great to the technology.

What two or three accomplishments have given you the most satisfaction? Why?

First is the being a MSP, it really feels great to be attached with Microsoft, which is really a dream company for a Computer science student.
Second best thing joining the CASET College, which has supported at every step from seminars to sessions. This college has been a great help in my life and I enjoyed a lot in my college.

Any Message you want to give to the readers of MicrosoftFeed?

Always chase your dreams and never worry about the world.

Your contact information?

Blog / Website - http://ashrafwani.blogspot.com
University Website – http://www.casetcollege.in
Twitter – http://www.twitter.com/aashu_wani
Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/aashu2804a1
LinkedIn – http://in.linkedin.com/in/ashrafwani
Interview Link - http://shaikhjees.com/meet-ashraf-wani-msp-from-caset-engineering-college-jammu-and-kashmir/21672

Microsoft announced 2 new MSP's in Jammu and Kashmir.

The Student Partners Program is an elite job opportunity offered to students enthusiastic about marketing and technology. Individuals that take part in this Microsoft student representative program understand and are passionate about Microsoft technologies and platforms.


MSP's are Microsoft “black-belt” influential students who have demonstrated their commitment to sharing their expertise with student peers. The Microsoft Student Partner program consists of the brightest and most innovative student developers and technology enthusiasts from universities around the world.


And since this program is Microsoft way of encouraging students who are interested in building a closer relationship with Microsoft, and those who are simply hooked on technology, to develop their skills further. Microsoft recently selected 2 new MSPs from Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir. These 2 MSP represents 2 different affiliated colleges of Kashmir University!

1. Ashraf Wani - CASET Engineering College
Facebook - Twitter

2. Irtiqa Qureshi - SSM College of Engineering
Facebook - Twitter

How to become a Microsof Student Partner (MSP)

Program Overview:

The Microsoft Student Partner Program recognizes top young minds from around the world that are passionate about technology. It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity to develop real-world skills to help you succeed in your future career, to help others learn about the technology of today and tomorrow, and to connect with other like-minded students, all whilst having a ton of fun along the way. The tenure is for 1 academic year and can be renewed by the MSP India Team if the MSP has acceptable performance and continues to meet the eligibility criteria.

What is a Microsoft Student Partner?

The ‘ideal candidate’ would be a passionate and enthusiast individual who wants to learn about new tools and technologies. You would need to have a whole range of skills including excellent time management, organization and communication skills to ensure that you could host successful campus events. An MSP should be comfortable and confident presenting in front of large audiences of both students and faculty members. General marketing skills come in very handy in order to allow you to articulate your ideas effectively when presenting. MSPs are social, friendly and approachable individuals who like to meet new people. You will require the ability work as a team as well as use your own initiative. In summary, MSPs are innovative and creative students who are extremely passionate about technology and who like to help others.

How to apply?

Applications for the 2011-2012 Academic Year are currently being accepted by filling the registration form at http://bit.ly/newmsp2011. This is only to express your intent of taking part in the selection process. NO confirmation emails will be sent.

The selection process will span across multiple months. Visit this page at least once every month for updates. Some indicative parts of the selection process are listed below:

Part 1: You will need to create a video of yourself speaking about a Microsoft technology. We will provide further details on this page before 3rd June 2011.
Part 2: You will need to create an innovative Windows Phone 7 App using the free development tool and emulator. We will provide further details on this page before 29th July 2011.
Part 3: You will need to compete in the IT Challenge quiz within Imagine Cup 2012. Signup at Imagine Cup. We will provide further details on this page before 26th August 2011.

Disclaimer:

This is a voluntary program for students and does not involve any fees. It is neither a course nor an internship.

Eligibility:

To consider applying for the MSP Program, you must be:
Over 17 years of age.
Currently studying a full-time Science, Technology, Engineering, Math or Design (STEMD) course at an officially recognized University/College in India.
Bachelor’s/Master’s Degree student who will complete the course during or after May 2012.

Benefits:

As an MSP, a host of benefits are available:

Welcome letter
Special MSP events conducted by Microsoft
MSDN subscription after successful completion of probation period
Rewards & Recognition for top performers
Networking opportunities
Technical training & resources
Specific Microsoft events
Interactions with MVPs & Microsoft Employees
Internship & Recruitment announcements for top-performers

Contact Details:

For queries regarding the MSP Selection process for 2011-2012 in India, post these on http://bit.ly/querymsp
For other questions regarding the MSP India program, email

For more details, visit - MSP India Portal

Important links – Official Website | Facebook Page

Imagine Cup

The Microsoft Imagine Cup is the world’s premier student technology competition. It provides an opportunity for students to use their creativity, passion, and knowledge of technology to help solve global challenges and make a difference in the world. While competing for cash and prizes, students gain real-life experiences, make new friends, and change the world.

Signup now on Imagine Cup