(May 01, 2003) NEW!
Gyro
1.0
Gyro is a set of files that convert an existing
installation of the Microsoft Shared Source CLI 1.0
to support generic type definitions and generic methods. Gyro extends the CLI,
ILAsm assembler, and C# compiler. It also includes several samples,
documentation (in the form of specifications) and some new tests. It does not
support generics in the JScript® compiler.
Gyro is distributed as a set of files to be
installed over an existing installation of the 1.0 release of the
SSCLI (also
known as the "Beta Refresh"). After you have downloaded
Gyro, unpack it to a new directory, and then follow the instructions in the
gyro.html file. Note: you may need to do a clean build of the system.
Microsoft's research work on generics is an
ongoing project. This release is intended to allow you to familiarise yourself
with the current state of the research, and to provide feedback where
appropriate. Several aspects of this proposed design of Generics for the CLI will
change in future releases. Please mail your feedback to
gyro@microsoft.com
The PPG group at MSR
Cambridge have been designing and prototyping support for
"generics" in C#
and the .NET Common Language Runtime.
Generics are also known as
polymorphism, parameterized types, or templates.
What are generics?
Generics refer to classes and methods that work uniformly on values of different types.
Example source language features that relate to generics include:
Container classes are the canonical
example of the use of generics to simplify object-oriented programming.
Where can I find out more?
Our PLDI paper (postscript, pdf)
is a good place to start. If you wish to know more about C#, the Common
Language Runtime or .NET then MSDN
has excellent information and further links.
The Microsoft Research home pages will tell you more about
where we work, and you may be interested in the home pages for Don
Syme and Andrew Kennedy.
Discussion Groups and Contacts
The internet discussion group news://microsoft.public.dotnet.languages.csharp
frequently contains discussions about generics. The C# team and community are very willing to
receive further feedback on generics.
You may also contact dsyme@microsoft.com,
akenn@microsoft.com or the C# team.
