http://searchvb.techtarget.com/sDefi...754848,00.html

======================================
They say, best men are molded out of faults,
And, for the most, become much more the better
For being a little bad.
======================================

I'm planning to use Microsoft Visual Studio.NET. According to your information, is it correct that if I can't afford Microsoft Visual Studio.NET, I can also download the free tools of Web Matrix through Misrosoft? (I think the function will be less powerfully when compared with Microsoft Visual Studio.NET, right?)

If the book I mentioned (1.Beginning Dynamic Websites: with ASP.NET Web Matrix) is just teaching user by using this tools only, I won't buy this book.

BTW, which book you use currently? (just for my reference)

Yes, Visual Studio is the best IDE too use (IMO) but it is expensive.
Web Matrix will do to get you on the right track.
I have collected a few books over a while and I mostly use Professional C# by Wrox and Another Certification book.
But I use C# not VB.NET.

I beleive the best way is to get stuck into it.
Worry about books later when you are more aware of what you need help with.

Just download the Web Matrix IDE, And start with a few tutorials from WWW.ASP.NET
Also do some reading at www.4guysfromrolla.com , then when you are into it a bit, you will know what book will suit your needs.
Maybe you want one focussed on Data Access, Or Custom Controls, etc.

Good Luck


======================================
They say, best men are molded out of faults,
And, for the most, become much more the better
For being a little bad.
======================================

The picture is much more clear for me now. Actually, I do have Visual Studio but not yet used.

Perhaps I'll follow your advice to use Web Matrix to get into it first. Then switch to Visual Studio.NET, I can compare the features of them afterward.

The referred sites those seems so informative and I'll put more time in it before buying the books.

Again, thanks rodmcleay, all your input is very usefully for my decision indeed!!(also thanks stu9820)

Also note that WebMatrix (http://asp.net/webmatrix/default.asp...dex=4&tabId=46) doesn't use CodeBehind like VS.Net does. So, you might get confused when you switch from WebMatrix to VS.Net.

I did not realise that Web Matrix does not use code behind.
If you can get Visual Studio.NET, use that as a first preference.
You only need Web Matrix if you don't have Visual Studio.NET and don't wont to pay for it straight up.

======================================
They say, best men are molded out of faults,
And, for the most, become much more the better
For being a little bad.
======================================

What is CodeBehind?
Is it so important that can affect my programming life in coming future?

Code behind is the seperation logic and display elements of a page.
On one page goes the HTML elements and controls that are used to display the information.
On the other page goes the logic to display the information such as populating drop down list, binding controls to datasets and things of that nature that you will come across when you start coding.

The important thing to know is that Code behind is considered the "correct way"(Im sure this can be heavily debated) of doing things and I highly recommend using this method.

The alternative is to mix code and html markup on the same page.
This could be considered easier and quicker in the very short term, but in the long run you are better of using code behind.

Here is some reading
http://www.eggheadcafe.com/articles/20030518.asp
http://p2p.wrox.com/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=3383

These discussions tend to work arround the coding aspect the methods, but I like codebehind as it brings layers into you application in a modelling sense.
DIPLAY LAYER - .aspx, displays the graphical aspects of the application.
BUSINESS LAYER - .aspx.cs(CodeBehind), handles the business rules layer.
Then I have a seperate data access layer in class files .cs.

This is all more than you need to consider at the moment.
But do try to use "Code Behind", and understand "Inline" code as well.
You will come across both.



======================================
They say, best men are molded out of faults,
And, for the most, become much more the better
For being a little bad.
======================================

After reading the information you mentioned, although I can't really understand "Code-Behind" & "Inline Code" in deep at this moment, they always mention that "Code-Behind" will be suitable for complete Intranet or Web-application and that seems to be the goal for me.

So I'll get start with VS.NET by referring web tutorial and then consider which book will suit for me later.
:)

Good on ya.

When you fall into trouble just post a question in the appropriate forum and someone will help.

First try to fix it yourself of course.

Best of luck.

======================================
They say, best men are molded out of faults,
And, for the most, become much more the better
For being a little bad.
======================================