Unmanaged Code
Unmanaged code refers to software that executes directly on the hardware without the oversight of a runtime environment like a virtual machine or garbage collector. It is typically written in languages such as C or C++ and compiled to native machine code, giving developers low-level control over system resources. This contrasts with managed code, which runs within a managed execution environment that handles memory management, security, and other services.
Developers should learn unmanaged code when they need maximum performance, direct hardware access, or fine-grained control over memory and system resources, such as in operating systems, device drivers, embedded systems, or high-performance game engines. It is also essential for scenarios requiring interoperability with legacy systems or when working in environments where runtime overhead is unacceptable, like real-time applications or resource-constrained devices.