.NET x64 compiled binaries run on 32bit?

[Sirber]

I compiled my bitrate calculator on windows XP64 using C# Express (.net 2.0 x64) and the output EXE runs as a 64bit native app (no *32 in task manager). My friend can run it on his 32bit machine. How come? :confused:

[stax76]

I'm not surprised it runs though I'm clueless about the topic. (anybody some links?)

[Sirber]

In theory a 64bit binary can't run on a 32bit OS. You have to be surpeised :sly:

[tommazzo]

This is because all .NET languages compile into an intermediate language (IL) and not into processor specific assembly code. It is not until execution time that the IL is compiled into assembly. http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/default.asp?url=/library/en-us/cpguide/html/cpconMicrosoftIntermediateLanguageMSIL.asp