In .NET, source is compiled to an platform-neutral intermediate language called Common Intermediate Language. The IL is later compiled into native code at runtime, running in a virtual machine.
You can examine the IL for your applications by running a tool called the IL Disassembler (ildasm.exe). You can find ILDasm in a directory that looks something like this:
C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft SDKs\Windows\v7.0A\Bin\x64
Alternatively, you can just type “ildasm” in the Start Menu search box in Windows 7 or Windows Vista.
ILDasm will show you three basic things:
- A list of all classes and methods in your assembly
- The contents of the assembly’s manifest
- IL code for any method implemented in the assembly.
Here’s an example of what is displayed in ILDasm.