Professional ASP.NET MVC 2

Chapter 3. ASP.NET > ASP.NET MVC

This is a very difficult chapter to write. It's not difficult technically, nor is there a lack of things to say; it's the subject matter that needs to be addressed: Is ASP.NET MVC better than Web Forms?

This is a volatile subject, to be sure, and the authors understand very well that this subject is not a comfortable one for most developers who have been working with ASP.NET Web Forms for a long time. Unfortunately, it lies at the very heart of this book — and is most likely a question you're trying to answer right now.

As with all approaches to application architecture, much of the answer is subjective. The authors happen to think that ASP.NET MVC is absolutely wonderful, but please don't take our word for it just because we said so. Most importantly, Microsoft is not suggesting that ASP.NET MVC is better than, nor will it replace, ASP.NET Web Forms. In fact, both ASP.NET Web Forms and ASP.NET MVC are fundamental parts of ASP.NET, and both will continue to be promoted, available, supported, and loved for the foreseeable future!

You will need to make up your own mind on this matter, and that's what this chapter is all about — giving you the information you need to decide if ASP.NET MVC is, indeed, a better web framework for you. Before you get started, however, please find a comfortable place to sit, and do your best to clear your mind of preconceptions. The authors will try to offer some informed opinions — without beating you over the head with dictates ...