If you’re learning C# or exploring .NET, you’ve probably heard the terms managed code and unmanaged code. This post breaks down what they mean, how they differ, and why it matters — using real-world analogies and examples.

🔧 What Is Managed Code?

Managed code is code that runs under the supervision of a runtime environment — in C#, that’s the .NET Runtime (CLR). ✅ Features of Managed Code:

• Automatic memory management (garbage collection)
• Type safety and security
• Exception handling
• Cross-platform support

🏢 Real-world analogy: Managed code is like living in a smart apartment — the system handles electricity, plumbing, and security for you.

🧠 What Is a Runtime Environment?

A runtime environment is software that manages the execution of programs written in certain languages.You can install them from their official websites.Once installed, they allow you to run and build applications in that language.

🧱 What Is Unmanaged Code?

Unmanaged code runs directly on the operating system without a runtime managing it. You’re responsible for memory, safety, and cleanup.

❌ Features of Unmanaged Code:

• Manual memory management
• No built-in safety or garbage collection
• Platform-specific

🏕️ Real-world analogy: Unmanaged code is like building your own cabin in the woods — you control everything, but you also maintain everything yourself.

📦 What Is an Assembly? When you compile managed C# code, it’s packaged into a binary unit called an assembly (.dll or .exe). Assemblies contain:

• Compiled code
• Metadata
• Optional resources

📦 Think of an assembly as a software package that the .NET Runtime knows how to run.