referencesource furnishes source code from the Microsoft .NET Reference Source, specifically a subset of the .NET Framework. The primary objective is to provide a readily available source for developers, particularly those contributing to .NET Core. This subset mirrors functionality found in .NET Framework class libraries, fostering interoperability and understanding.
This repository provides a valuable resource for .NET developers needing access to .NET Framework source. Its read-only nature ensures consistency with the official Microsoft .NET development strategy. It aligns with the open-source principles of .NET Core by offering a source base for reference and learning.
- Source Code Access: Provides access to the source code of a subset of .NET Framework class libraries.
- .NET Core Development: Intended for use during the development of .NET Core to understand and potentially leverage existing .NET Framework functionality.
- Community Leverage: Empowers .NET developers to explore and integrate .NET Framework components into their projects.
- Read-Only Access: Ensures source code stability and consistency with the official Microsoft .NET releases.
- Subset of Framework: Contains a focused and manageable subset of the full .NET Framework source code.
The referencesource repository is actively maintained by Microsoft, although it is read-only. It receives regular updates reflecting changes in the .NET Framework. The repository's stability is linked to the stability of the underlying .NET Framework itself; however, feature requests and bug reports are directed to other repositories.
Developers benefiting from referencesource include those building .NET Core, those needing to understand .NET Framework APIs, or those working with legacy .NET Framework code. It offers a convenient way to examine source code without managing the full .NET Framework installation, facilitating development and analysis.