It's official: Microsoft publishes the source code for the .NET Framework

Microsoft takes a huge step towards being a transparent company. Scott Guthrie just announced they are releasing the source code for the .NET Framework libraries. But wait, there's more! The RTM version of Visual Studio 2008 will provide support for .NET Framework debugger symbols from a web server hosted by Microsoft. All in all, this means more support for .NET developers and I dare to say, on the long term, a much more stable and robust .NET Framework.

What's important to understand is that the release process is going to be gradual over the next months. It seems in the first wave we'll get Base Class Libraries, Windows Forms, ASP.NET and WPF. The first wave will be followed gradually by other releases in 2008.

All in all, this is great news for .NET developers!