C# 2010 All-in-One For Dummies®

Chapter 1. Looking at How ASP.NET Works with C#

In This Chapter

• Getting to know Web applications

• Conferring with the client

• Working with Web servers

When I first started writing about World Wide Web applications, I had to describe the Web first. There were still a significant number of programmers who didn't know what it was, or thought it was CompuServe.

I don't really have that problem anymore.

The World Wide Web is now ubiquitous. Programmers of all stripes use the Web for research and communication. Providers use it for product updates and documentation. It is everywhere.

All the more reason to know how to code in the Web environment. Problem is that there are so many so-called frameworks for development that it is nearly impossible to decide which to use with a reasonable methodology. You almost have the draw straws.

If you are working in a Microsoft environment, and if you are writing a non-exceptional program, I recommend that you use plain, vanilla ASP.NET. Why? Sempf's Fourth Law: Simplicity above all. ASP.NET is a straightforward platform for Web creation.

ASP.NET has its share of problems, most of which involve writing Google (or some other really big complicated program). You probably aren't writing Google, so don't worry about it. If your site gets famous, you can get some venture capital and rewrite it into some custom framework. For now, just get your site written.

That's what ASP.NET enables you to do — get the job done. With ASP.NET, you can write a good Web site quickly, ...