Chapter 2: Writing your First ASP.NET Web Page

Overview

In the previous chapter we installed both .NET and the Web Matrix, and we briefly examined the visual interface. Now it's time to start using that interface to create some web pages – after all, that's what you're really here for. So, what you are going to do is create your first web page, which will consist of some visual elements, and some code to make the page interactive.

Instead of starting off with the traditionally uninspiring "Hello World" example, we'll be creating a simple game to demonstrate how ASP.NET pages work. That way you can call it work when you play it! Remember, though, that playing Xbox or PS2 games doesn't count (even if you do say it's "User Interface Testing").

In particular we're going to:

• Create a new web page

• Use the Toolbox to drag controls onto this page

• See how to use the Properties window to define some details of these controls

• Add some code to make the game run

This will be your first look at creating a page, and you'll be amazed at how simple it is.