What are strong named keys for?

Question

In .NET, what are strong named keys for? I read about it before but it just isn't sticking in my head.

Answer 1

According to (http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/wd40t7ad(VS.71).aspx) it prevents the assembly from being changed by anyone.
It protects the (semi) compiled assembly for being changed.

Answer 2

They're used for identifying an assembly. More specifically, who created the assembly.

One reason to sign an assembly with a strong name key is to add it to the GAC.

Answer 3

Part 3 of http://www.csharp411.com/net-assembly-faq-part-1/ explains it pretty well. I like it better than the MSDN article.