Programmers can create dynamic websites, web apps, and web services using the Microsoft-developed and -marketed ASP.NET web application framework. Yet, given Microsoft’s focus on its newest framework version, ASP.NET Core, some individuals wonder if ASP.NET is still a useful technology.

In light of this, the following discussion on ASP.NET explains its evolution and current relevance.

Introduction to ASP.NET

Developers can build dynamic websites, web apps, and web services using the open-source ASP.NET web application platform. To make.NET more appropriate for online app development, ASP.NET was developed for the web back-end.

It was a game-changer when Microsoft published the first version of ASP.NET in 2002 since it made web development considerably simpler and more effective.

The.NET Framework from Microsoft and ASP.NET are frequently confused. The ASP.NET Framework is a web application framework, whereas the.NET Framework is a software framework. In essence, ASP.NET can only be used to create web-based apps, but the.NET Framework can be used to create any kind of program.

Why ASP.NET Is Still Useful for Developers?

Although ASP.NET Core is the upgraded version of ASP.NET, originally known as ASP.NET 5 before changing its name to ASP.NET Core, ASP.NET is still valuable and relevant today.

While having significant drawbacks, particularly when compared to ASP.NET Core, ASP.NET is still useful as a web application framework. The following six factors highlight why developers should continue to utilize ASP.NET:

Less Setup and Configuration Needed

It is simple to use, configure, and create websites and web applications with ASP.NET since it is integrated into the well-known Windows server environment. Some frameworks, in comparison, necessitate extensive setup and configuration.

You must set up a development environment with the appropriate versions of PHP, a web server, and a database, for instance, if you want to use the PHP framework Laravel. For newbies, these criteria can be quite time-consuming and challenging. It’s considerably simpler to build with ASP.NET if you’re using Windows because you don’t have to worry about setting up everything right.

Standard Authentication Procedures for the Industry

Even though it’s an older version, ASP.NET still uses the most recent and secure authentication standards.

For instance, it incorporates widely used authentication methods including Windows, Forms, and Passport authentication. Your web apps will be safe as a result, and user authentication will function normally. It’s also important to note that since these functions are built-in, nothing needs to be configured or set up.

Ability to run Directly In Web Browsers

Microsoft’s native web-development platform is called ASP.NET. As a result,.NET apps can run natively in web browsers. This capability is a big plus because it eliminates the need for third-party frameworks or plugins to run ASP.NET apps. Also, it means that a larger variety of browsers will be easier for your applications to run.

With Microsoft’s Blazor framework, ASP.NET apps may be developed for the web and run natively in web browsers. Blazor executes.NET code in the browser using WebAssembly. As a result, you may create your complete web application, including the front-end user interface, in C# rather than JavaScript (UI). You can share code between the server and the client using Blazor as well. Because you don’t have to write duplicate code for the server and the client, web development becomes more efficient.

Incredible Support Developed by Microsoft

Microsoft actively provides and develops support for ASP.NET, as shown by the abundance of online resources. For instance, the ASP.NET website has a ton of important and beneficial materials, such as documentation, guides, tutorials, and more.

In addition, a sizable developer community continues to contribute to the development of ASP.NET because it is open source.

So long as you’re using a supported version of ASP.NET, you won’t need to worry if you run into any difficulties because Microsoft will be there to help.

Vast Language Support

Programming languages supported by ASP.NET include Visual Basic, C#, and J#. You have not constrained to a single language thanks to its capability, which is a huge benefit. It also implies that you can pick the language that best suits your requirements.

You may create your ASP.NET applications using Visual Basic, for instance, if that’s what you’re more comfortable with.

ASP.NET Core vs. ASP.NET

Understanding the distinction between ASP.NET and ASP.NET Core is essential when talking about ASP.NET.

A continuation of ASP.NET, ASP.NET Core was completely rewritten to be an open-source, cross-platform framework. In contrast to ASP.NET, which can only run on Windows, it can run on Linux, macOS, and Windows.

Sophisticated ASP.NET Core is built on the Model-View-Controller framework, just like ASP.NET. Developers can only choose the ASP.NET Core modules they specifically require for their project because ASP.NET Core supports modular architecture much better than ASP.NET. As a result, ASP.NET Core enables developers to create web apps that are more streamlined and effective. This is because unnecessary code, which can occasionally be the case with ASP.NET, isn’t included.

In the end, ASP.NET Core is a more recent and improved version of ASP.NET. That doesn’t, however, imply that ASP.NET is no longer relevant. On the contrary, developers may still find it to be highly useful.

Wrapping Up

Although ASP.NET Core is the most recent version, many developers continue to utilize the classic ASP.NET since it still provides many useful features. Microsoft provides good support for it as well, so customers won’t have to worry about it aging out. Without needing to set up a development environment, you may create web applications quickly and effectively by using ASP.NET. Furthermore, you can be sure that your apps will be secure and up-to-date thanks to the platform’s ongoing support.