Which utility compiles managed assemblies to processor-specific native images ahead of time (AOT) to improve startup performance?

Introduction / Context:
Some .NET tools optimize deployment and performance by preparing native images before runtime.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• We need the tool that generates native images from managed assemblies.
• The goal is reduced JIT cost at startup.

Concept / Approach:
Native Image Generator (ngen.exe) produces machine-specific native images that the CLR can load instead of JIT-compiling IL at startup.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Documentation shows ngen.exe as the AOT compiler for .NET Framework.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• gacutil: assembly storage, not compilation.
• sn: signing, not compilation.
• dumpbin: inspection, not compilation.
• ildasm: disassembly, not compilation.

Common Pitfalls:
Confusing IL disassembly with native image generation.

Final Answer:
ngen