Chapter 19. HTTP Handlers

In this chapter, we will provide an in-depth look at implementing HTTP handlers. As described in Chapter 1, "ASP.NET Overview," HTTP handlers are a feature of the HTTP runtime architecture in ASP.NET that enables modularization and customization of request processing in a Web application. ASP.NET provides a number of built-in HTTP handlers that are used to process requests for common file types. ASP.NET also enables developers to plug in their own HTTP handler implementations to customize request handling specific to their own application. We will illustrate a couple of real-world HTTP handler implementations and show how you can enhance the usability of your handler by providing an associated server control.