title: How can I run a static constructor?
body: <p>I'd like to execute the static constructor of a class (i.e. I want to "load" the class) without creating an instance. How do I do that?</p>
  
  <p>Bonus question: Are there any differences between .NET 4 and older versions?</p>
  
  <p>Edit:</p>
  
  <ul>
  <li>The class is not static.</li>
  <li>I want to run it before creating instances because it takes a while to run, and I'd like to avoid this delay at first access.</li>
  <li>The static ctor initializes <code>private static readonly</code> fields thus cannot be run in a method instead.</li>
  </ul>