.NET common language runtime (CLR) routines

A common language runtime (CLR) routine is an external routine created by executing a CREATE PROCEDURE or CREATE FUNCTION statement that references a .NET assembly as its external code body.

The following terms are important in the context of CLR routines:

.NET Framework: A Microsoft application development environment comprised of the CLR and .NET Framework class library designed to provide a consistent programming environment for developing and integrating code pieces.
Common language runtime (CLR): The runtime interpreter for all .NET Framework applications.
intermediate language (IL): Type of compiled byte-code interpreted by the .NET Framework CLR. Source code from all .NET compatible languages compiles to IL byte-code.
assembly: A file that contains IL byte-code. This can either be a library or an executable.

You can implement CLR routines in any language that can be compiled into an IL assembly. These languages include, but are not limited to: Managed C++, C#, Visual Basic, and J#.

Before developing a CLR routine, it is important to both understand the basics of routines and the unique features and characteristics specific to CLR routines. To learn more about routines and CLR routines see:

Developing a CLR routine is easy. For step-by-step instructions on how to develop a CLR routine and complete examples see: