Getting Started with Asp.Net

bilal_akhtar · March 7th, 2012, 04:39 AM

I'm new to and interested in Web Development with Microsoft Asp.Net but I don't know where to start and what to learn in order to make a career out of it. I have created a static Website using xHtml & CSS and I have some knowledge of working of Web and I'm familiar with Visual Basic and Visual Studio. But I don't know which technology to start from (Asp.Net, MVC, Silverlight etc) and which one are a must (jQuery, Ajax etc). Any help to enable me follow a gradual approach will be much appreciated.
...and Thanks for Reading me.

Imar · March 7th, 2012, 08:57 AM

Hi there,

If you want to do web development on the Microsoft platform, you have three main choices:

1. ASP.NET Web Forms
The oldest of the three platforms. Very accessible, and a bit Windows forms like. Easy to get started with. Used a lot by professional web agencies, both small and large, but also by hobbyists. For more info, check out my book: Beginning ASP.NET 4 in C# and VB.

2. ASP.NET MVC
Generally praised for its cleaner model. Has a steeper learning curve than Web Forms and Web pages, more geared towards professionals. Wrox has a few books on the subject:
http://www.wrox.com/WileyCDA/WroxTit...47043399X.html
http://www.wrox.com/WileyCDA/WroxTit...118076583.html

3. ASP.NET Web Pages / WebMatrix
This is for entry level programmers. Used by hobbyists as well as professionals for small to medium sized web sites. For more info: http://www.wrox.com/WileyCDA/WroxTit...118050487.html

You'll find more information on all three at www.asp.net

I think in the end it comes down to your current skill level. You could start with Web Forms or Web Pages and once you get the hang of it move to MVC. Alternatively, if you're already comfortable with programming, you could dive into MVC directly.

Hope this helps,

Imar

bilal_akhtar · March 7th, 2012, 09:10 AM

It's been a while since I've touched any but I can understand almost any kind of code and I'm anxious to know what might be most useful for me in the Future and besides MVC or Webpages what else Software firms expect from an Asp.Net developer.
...and Thanks for your time.

Imar · March 7th, 2012, 03:08 PM

Hi there,

That's hard to answer in general as it depends. I would turn it around and see what companies in your area are looking for. Most job boards will provide a hint on the technology that is required for the job. I would see which technology is in demand in your area and focus on that.

Cheers,

Imar