Preface

ASP.NET is the web development technology of Microsoft's .NET development platform. While it has a lot in common with its predecessor, Active Server Pages, ASP.NET is a quantum leap over classic ASP; it adds such new features as rich server controls, a much more powerful programming model, and built-in support for XML web services.

ASP.NET also allows you to access the full richness of the .NET Framework Class Library, which provides classes for everything from sending mail via SMTP to performing multithreaded operations. ASP.NET also brings object-oriented programming to the Web. Object orientation is at the very heart of the .NET Framework, and ASP.NET takes full advantage of it—particularly in the area of its robust server control model.

This second edition of ASP.NET in a Nutshell also includes information about new features and settings introduced in Version 1.1 of the .NET Framework.

ASP.NET has many new features and aspects, but with the help of this reference, you'll be up and running before you know it.