Difference between BCL and FCL in .net framework?

MS.Net Base Class Library

bcl vs fcl

The Base Class Library (BCL) is literally that, a subset of FCL or the core set of classes that serve as the basic API of the Common Language Runtime. The classes in mscorlib.dll and some of the classes in System.dll and System.core.dll are considered to be a part of the BCL. 

It includes the classes in namespaces like System, System.Diagnostics, System.Globalization, System.Resources, System.Text, System.Runtime.Serialization and System.Data.

• Related article Explain .Net Framework

The Framework Class Library (FCL) is a super-set of the BCL classes and refers to the entire class library that ships with .Net Framework. It includes an expanded set of libraries, including Windows Forms, ADO.net, ASP.net, Language Integrated Query, Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF), Windows Communication Foundation (WCF) among others.

I hope that this article would have helped you in understanding about what is .net class library and difference between BCL and FCL. Your feedback and constructive contributions are welcome. Please feel free to contact me for feedback or comments you may have about this article.