Managed Extensibility Framework
The Managed Extensibility Framework (MEF) is a .NET library for creating lightweight, extensible applications. It enables developers to build applications that can be easily extended with plugins or components without requiring recompilation. MEF uses a composition model based on contracts and imports/exports to dynamically discover and load extensions at runtime.
Developers should learn MEF when building modular applications in .NET that require plugin architectures, such as IDEs, content management systems, or enterprise software with add-on functionality. It simplifies dependency management and promotes loose coupling, making applications more maintainable and scalable. Use cases include extending Visual Studio, creating customizable business applications, or developing software with third-party integration points.