Why is Array.Length an int, and not an uint

Question

Why is Array.Length an int, and not a uint. This bothers me (just a bit) because a length value can never be negative.

This also forced me to use an int for a length-property on my own class, because when you specify an int-value, this needs to be cast explicitly...

So the ultimate question is: is there any use for an unsigned int (uint)? Even Microsoft seems not to use them.

Answer 1

Unsigned int isn't CLS compliant and would therefore restrict usage of the property to those languages that do implement a UInt.

See here:

Framework 1.1

Introduction to the .NET Framework Class Library

Framework 2.0

.NET Framework Class Library Overview