Differences in .EXE in .NET vs Microsoft programs

Question

Can anyone tell me the main differences between .EXE assemblies in .NET and traditional Microsoft .EXE programs?

Vulpes · Answer

The main difference is that an 'unmanaged' exe consists of native code for the platform in question which (broadly speaking) executes without further ado. In contrast a .NET exe consist of intermediate language (MSIL) and metadata. When the .NET exe is run the common language runtime (CLR) is loaded which manages the execution of the program. In particular it converts the MSIL to native code 'on the fly' - a process known as 'just in time' compilation - and then executes the native code.