ASP.NET WebForms:
A Comprehensive Hands-On Introduction

What is this course about?

This course provides you with the knowledge and skills needed to build dynamic Web applications with ASP.NET 2.0/3.5/4 and Visual Studio 2005/2008/2010. You learn how to create sophisticated user interfaces with minimal code and integrate data access functionality with data binding and data-source controls.

Can I build ASP.NET 2.0 or 3.5 applications in Visual Studio 2010?

Yes, you can. One of the new features of Visual Studio 2010 is the ability to build ASP.NET 2.0 and 3.5 applications. This course shows you how to select which version of ASP.NET you want to use when working with Visual Studio 2010.

Who will benefit from this course?

This course is valuable for those interested in building ASP.NET Web applications including:

• Programmers who want to add Web development to their skill set
• Developers of legacy ASP or ASP.NET 1.1 applications who want to upgrade to ASP.NET 2.0, 3.5 or 4
• Those who are primarily interested in producing dynamic Web pages using WebForms

I already use ASP.NET 1.1. Will this course be useful for me?

Yes. ASP.NET 2.0 and later versions are significantly different from ASP.NET 1.1, although there is some overlap between the versions. New topics introduced in ASP.NET 2.0 and used in later versions include Master Pages, data-source controls, the Wizard control and forms based security.

I'm already using ASP.NET 2.0. Will this course be useful for me in upgrading to ASP.NET 3.5?

No. For the topics covered in this course, ASP.NET 2.0 , 3.5 and 4 are very similar. However, Course 506, Building Web Applications with ASP.NET and Ajax: Hands-On covers many of the features that are only available in ASP.NET 3.5/4 and Visual Studio 2008 and 2010, including AJAX for ASP.NET.

What background do I need?

You should be familiar with application development concepts, as well as the Windows graphical environment. Experience with a modern programming language such as a .NET language, Java, Visual Basic or C++ is assumed. For example, you should:

• Know how to work with objects (e.g., call methods, set/read properties, write event-driven code)
• Have some experience creating user interfaces in desktop or Web applications
• Be able to employ modern language constructs

It is also assumed that you have a basic understanding of HTML. ASP.NET 1.1 experience is not required. If you have a background in ASP.NET 1.1 and are considering or planning to upgrade to ASP.NET 2.0,3.5 or 4, this course will be highly valuable for you.

How detailed should my HTML knowledge be?

You should know that Web pages are built with HTML and how browsers convert HTML into the display the user sees.

You should also:

• Be familiar with the basic tags, primarily the anchor tag (the <a> tag) that creates hyperlinks
• Recognize a URL
• Understand the process that a Web page goes through

I need to use ASP.NET 2.0 or 3.5 and Visual Studio 2005 or 2008 back at work. Will this course be valuable for me?

Absolutely! This course will provide you with a solid foundation in the skills you need to create Web sites in ASP.NET 2.0 using Visual Studio 2005. All of the core topics in this class are identical between Visual Studio 2005, Visual Studio 2008 and Visual Studio 2010.

The same is true of ASP.NET 2.0, 3.5 and 4; they are very similar, and where there are differences between the three versions, the course points out the differences and describes how to perform common tasks in both versions. A section in the data management chapter of the course uses controls that support the Entity Framework that are not available in ASP.NET 2.0. However, the course also covers the SqlDataSource which is available in ASP.NET 2.0.

How much time is spent on each topic?

How much of this course is hands-on?

About 50 percent of this course is spent on hands-on exercises, providing you with practical experience developing Web applications. Offered in both Visual Basic 2010 and C# 4.0, exercises include: implementing a consistent user interface with Master Pages, Themes and Skins; employing navigation models with SiteMapPath, Menus and TreeViews; and identifying users with login controls.

How does this course differ from Course 506?

While both courses cover the ASP.NET application development structure, this course is for those new to Web development and focuses on creating consistent user interfaces with sophisticated navigation controls, exploiting the ASP.NET data driven controls, and ensuring consistency through Master Pages and Themes. Course 506, Building Web Applications with ASP.NET and Ajax: Hands-On, emphasizes ASP.NET in the context of the enterprise and is best suited for those with previous Web development experience. Taking both courses provides comprehensive knowledge of ASP.NET Web application development.

I am a project leader. Will I benefit from this course?

Yes, this course will help you understand the challenges faced by your developers and what is and is not possible when creating applications with ASP.NET . You'll also see how the rapid application development tools within ASP.NET can improve your team's productivity.

I currently build applications with ASP/JSP/PHP or ColdFusion. Will I benefit from this course?

Yes. ASP.NET is a distinct Web development environment and is the state-of-the-art technology for creating Web applications. ASP.NET increases productivity, allowing developers to deliver more functionality with less code.

Which .NET languages does this course cover?

This course is presented with both Visual Basic 2010 and C# 4.0 as its basis. Exercises, sample solutions and sample code are offered in both VB 2010 and C# 4.0.

What is the difference between Visual Web Developer and Visual Studio 2010?

Visual Web Developer is the Visual Studio 2010 component used to create Web applications. Microsoft also offers a stand-alone version of Visual Web Developer, called Visual Web Developer Express, with most of the functionality of the full version.

How does this course relate to other Learning Tree courses?

The following Learning Tree courses complement the knowledge gained in Course 512 and provide practical skills toward refining your .NET Web development abilities:

• 506, Building Web Applications with ASP.NET and Ajax: Hands-On 
• 511, .NET Best Practices and Design Patterns: Hands-On 
• 538, SharePoint® 2007 Technologies: A Comprehensive Hands-On Introduction 
• 2601, Programming WCF Web Services for .NET: A Comprehensive Hands-On Introduction 

You may also be interested in the following related courses:

• 503, Visual Basic® Programming for .NET: Hands-On 
• 419, C# Programming: Hands-On 
• 973, Programming C# Extended Features: Hands-On 
• 218, User and System Requirements for Successful Software Development 
• 340, Project Management for Software Development 
• 977, Building Web Applications with ASP.NET MVC: Hands-On