When are Attribute Objects created?

Question

Since Attributes are really just Metadata attached to assemblies, does that mean that Attribute Objects are only created on request (such as when you call GetCustomAttributes)?

Answer 1

They are created on request.

For example, if you add some .NET 3.0 attributes to a .NET 2.0 Assembly (e.g. WCF DataContractAttribute), you'll still be able to use the .NET 2.0 Assembly on a machine that doesn't have .NET 3.0 installed, provided you don't have any code that attempts to access the attributes.