WCF Assemblies and Core Namespaces                                                

WCF exposes its functionality using two core .NET assemblies. When you select a WCF project template,
these assemblies are automatically referenced. Other project types will require you to reference them
manually using the Add Reference dialog box of your IDE.
















In addition, the CardSpace API is represented by the System.IdentityModel.dll assembly. This WCF
technology allows you to establish and manage digital identities within a WCF application. Consult the .NET
Framework SDK documentation for details regarding CardSpace.

Beyond the CardSpace API, the System.IdentityModel.dll assembly defines a number of security primitives.
Therefore, even if you are not using CardSpace itself, you will frequently need to reference
System.IdentityModel.dll when programming with WCF security. You will examine this assembly later in the
course when you examine WCF security.

The core WCF assemblies define a number of new namespaces and numerous .NET types. Here is a partial
list of namespaces to be aware of:
WCF Assemblies and Core Namespaces
Table of Contents
Copyright (c) 2008.  Intertech, Inc. All Rights Reserved.  This information is to be used exclusively as an
online learning aid.  Any attempts to copy, reproduce, or use for training is strictly prohibited.
Courseware
Training Resources
Tutorials


WCF Assembly

Meaning in Life


System.Runtime.Serialization.dll
Defines namespaces and types that can be used
for serializing and deserializing objects within the
WCF framework.


System.ServiceModel.dll
This is the core assembly that contains the core types used
to build any sort of WCF application.


WCF Namespace

Meaning in Life


System.ServiceModel
This is the core WCF namespace and defines binding
and hosting types, as well as basic security, queuing,
and transactional types.


System.ServiceModel.Configuration
Defines numerous types that provide programmatic
access to the core sections of WCF configuration files.


System.ServiceModel.Description
Defines types that provide an object model to the
addresses, bindings, and contracts defined within
WCF configuration files.


System.ServiceModel.MsmqIntegration
Contains types to integrate with the Microsoft
Message Queuing Service (MSMQ) runtime.


System.Runtime.Serialization
Defines numerous types that are used to control how
data is serialized and deserialized within the WCF
framework.  

Many of these types are WCF-centric attributes
(DataContract, DataMember, and so on).
Services