Build Your Own ASP.NET Website Using C# And VB.NET, Chapter 1 - Introduction to .NET and ASP.NET

ASP.NET is one of the most widely adopted Web application platforms available today. As a Web developer it's therefore becoming increasingly important to expand your skills and learn the ins-and-outs of a technology that's now used by major organizations such as Accenture, Compaq, AIG, Bank of Nova Scotia, Adobe, Dell, Ford and many others.

This series covers the basics the new (or practicing) .NET developer will need to know before they being to develop a Website in ASP.NET. It comprises 4 articles:

Chapter 1: Introduction to .NET
This chapter begins by asking the questions, "What is .NET?" and, "What is ASP.NET?" It then goes on to explain what you'll need to get started, and how to install all the necessary software. Finish off by developing your first ASP.NET page! This chapter begins below.

Chapter 2: ASP.NET Basics
Roll up your sleeves -- it's time to talk turkey, as we launch into a detailed discussion of the basic concepts you'll need to know as you proceed into the world of .NET. We'll discuss ASP.NET page structure, and understand the View State. We'll also see what's involved in working with directives, and talk about the different ASP.NET languages. And you'll see plenty of practical examples along the way.

Chapter 3: VB.NET and C# Programming Basics
This installment looks more closely at two of the most popular .NET languages -- C# and VB.NET. First, we'll work through a couple of examples that illustrate the basic principles that apply to programming in these languages such as control and page events, variables, arrays, functions, operators, conditionals, and more. Lastly, we discuss the concept of object-oriented programming and the philosophy of separating design from content as we look closely at code-behind.

Chapter 4: Web Forms and Web Controls
We kick off with a investigation of the steps involved in working with HTML Controls, as we process a simple form in .NET. We are then introduced to Web Forms and learn how they can be used with HTML Controls and Web Controls to create dynamic Web pages. We'll then move on to explore the processes behind handling page navigation, understand postback, and look at formatting controls with CSS. Finally, armed with this knowledge, we launch into the development of a navigation menu and Web form for our own intranet application.

The Book

These 4 chapters are excerpts from my new book. Build Your Own ASP.NET Website Using C# and VB.NET contains not only the 4 chapters above, but 13 more chapters, which step you through the practical knowledge you'll need in order to build your own dynamic ecommerce Website using these technologies. The chapters cover everything from the basics of database design and development, through ADO.NET, security and user authentication, and working with files and email, to building your own ASP.NET shopping cart and consuming XML Web Services. The book also comes with three very handy references, covering HTML Controls, Web Controls, and Validation Controls.

If you'd prefer to read the Adobe Acrobat PDF version of this information, you can download these 4 chapters FREE.

Your Feedback

If you have a question about any of the information covered in this series, your best chance of a quick response is to post your query in the SitePoint.com Forums. Suggestions for improvement as well as notices of any mistakes you may find (one or two may have slipped through the cracks) are especially welcome -- submit these to SitePoint Book Support.

Now, without any more ado, let's start building your ASP.NET Website!