Session 1—Introducing ASP.NET |
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.NET runtime and generate intermediate language (IL) binary code (kind of like Java and byte code). The code generated by .NET compilers cannot be run directly on the processor because the generated code is not in machine language. During runtime, the .NET compilers convert this intermediate code to native machine code and that machine code is eventually run on the processor. Additionally, the .NET compilers also produce metadata that describes the code. The .NET runtime loads metadata information for performing different tasks like resolving method calls, loading different dependent modules, marshaling data from one component to another, and so on. Since the .NET runtime produces binary code that is later compiled, effectively any language that is CLR compliant and can generate IL code can be used to write ASP.NET applications and components.
Note
Code written using the .NET Common Language Runtime, is said to be managed code. Code that does not use this infrastructure is referred to as unmanaged code.
.NET offers many programmatic improvements and features, one of which is a new version of ActiveX Data Objects (ADO) called, not surprisingly, ADO.NET. ADO.NET provides a suite of data handling and binding facilities. The Web is an inherently disconnected environment: a Web application connects to a datasource, manipulates the data, reconnects to the datasource, and updates the data. ADO.NET has been designed to work in a disconnected fashion, which increases data sharing. Additionally, ADO.NET treats data in a very loose, multidimensional, object-oriented way through a strongly typed object model. With ADO, all data is represented in two dimensions, rows and columns. With ADO.NET these n-dimen- sional data representations of data are called datasets. Iterating through, updating, and deleting related tables in a dataset is exceptionally simple.
What Is .NET?
With .NET, Microsoft is formalizing a vision of an Internet made up of an infinite number of interoperable Web applications or services, which will operate in concert to form a global exchange network. The .NET Framework is really a strategy to tie disparate platforms and devices together, moving data around in a far more efficient manner than it is currently.
.NET is Microsoft’s platform for Web Services. Web Services allow applications to communicate and share data over the Internet, regardless of operating system or programming language. The Microsoft .NET platform includes a comprehensive family of products, built on Internet standards such as XML and HTTP, that provide facilities for developing, managing, using, and experiencing XML Web services. There are five areas where Microsoft is building the .NET platform: .NET Experiences, Clients, Services, Servers, and Tools.
.NET Experiences
.NET Experiences are XML Web services that enable you to access information across the Internet and from standalone applications. Microsoft will deliver .NET Experiences for individuals and for businesses. Some of the products that Microsoft is transitioning into .NET
Experiences are the Microsoft Network (MSN) and bCentral.
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.NET Clients
.NET Clients are PCs, laptops, workstations, phones, handheld computers, Tablet PCs, game consoles, and other smart devices. All of these devices will have the ability to consume Web Services. .NET Clients use software that supports Web Services, and enable you to access your data regardless of location or type. The .NET client software Microsoft will offer includes Windows CE, Window 2000, and Windows XP. These applications will power PCs, laptops, workstations, smart phones, handheld computers, and Tablet PCs.
.NET Services
In addition to developers creating XML Web services, Microsoft is creating a core set of services that perform routine tasks and act as the backbone for developers to build upon. The first set of Web Services being built, codenamed “HailStorm,” is user-centric services focused on users, rather than devices, networks, or applications. “HailStorm” is based upon the Microsoft Passport user authentication system. With “HailStorm,” users receive relevant information, as they need it, delivered to the devices they’re using, and based on their established preferences.
.NET Servers
The .NET Servers, including the Windows 2000 server family, make up Microsoft .NET’s server infrastructure for developing, deploying, and managing Web Services. Designed with performance in mind, the .NET Servers will provide enterprises with the resources required to integrate their systems, applications, and partners via Web Services. The .NET Enterprise Servers are
SQL Server 2000 to store, retrieve, and analyze relational data.
Application Center 2000 to deploy and manage highly available and scalable Web applications.
BizTalk Server 2000 to build XML-based business processes across applications and organizations.
Commerce Server 2000 for quickly building scalable e-commerce solutions.
Content Management Server 2001 to manage content for dynamic e-business Web sites.
Exchange Server 2000 to enable messaging and collaboration.
Host Integration Server 2000 for integrating data and applications on legacy systems.
Internet Security and Acceleration Server 2000 for establishing secure, fast Internet connectivity.
Mobile Information 2001 Server to enable application support for mobile devices.
SharePoint Portal Server 2001 to publish business information.