This post is part of a large announcement today. Microsoft is releasing the source code for the .NET framework libraries under the Microsoft Reference License. This license allows viewing of source code, but not modification or redistribution. The source code will be downloadable and viewable by anyone who accepts the license agreement.

This is a very exciting announcement. You’ll be able to download a package with all of the source, and then be able to install and browse it locally.

I can continue gushing about this, or I can send you to the official announcement locations:

Scott Guthrie’s blog has the primary announcement, with screenshots of the Visual Studio experience.

Also, there is a 30-minute podcast interview with Shawn Burke on Hanselminutes.