How much should i rely on the .net framework in my C++ windows applications? Would it be safe to go as far as multithreading with the .NET framework or should general use of it be restricted to the GUI? I don't want to have to depend on it exclusively but it's function library makes things alot eazier, but would be harder to port.

Obviously i COULD use it as much as i liked, but i want some opinions on how far it's wise to use it efficiency/portability/compatibility wise.

Any opinions would be appriciated, -Zlix

As far as the .NET framework goes, I have no clue! I've never used it, I'm not sure what the heck it contains, and it doesn't make much difference to me at this point in time. However, I believe that if you find it easier to work with, and you like it, you should use it. Many large programs use it and seem to perform just fine, so I wouldn't worry too much about efficiency. As far as compatibility, at least you know it'll work with anything microsoft makes :-P

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-Aaron

I agree with Aaron on this. If it works well for what you want to do, then definitely use it as much as is feasible.

As for compatibility that is a little sketchy at this time. If you are only creating Windows based programs, then I would not worry about it. In addition, there is an open source project called Mono that is attempting to create a multiplatform version of .NET. While they have made good progress, I don't think it is up to the same level as .NET.

I have not had an opportunity to use .NET, but it is one of the items that intrigues me. I have heard very good things about it from a lot of different viewpoints.

Anyway, my opinion is use it wherever it makes sense and portability is not going to be a huge issue.

Also keep in mind programs that use .NET will not run on any system that does not have .NET installed. So the program is restricted to the NT platform (NT, 2000, XP) with .NET installed but won't work at all on 95/98/ME (not a big deterrent IMHO )

At least that's how I understand the .NET stuff.

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The 3 Laws of the Procrastination Society:
1) Never do today that which can be put off until tomorrow
2) Tomorrow never comes

I just did a little research on .NET, and I've decided that you should indeed use it if you know how.

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-Aaron