Microsoft ASP.NET coding strategies with the Microsoft ASP.NET team

319 Pages·2003·4.96 MB·English

by  Matthew Gibbs

Microsoft ASP.NET Coding Strategies with the Microsoft
ASP.NET Team
by Matthew Gibbs and Rob Howard ISBN:073561900x
Microsoft Press © 2003 (319 pages)
This in-depth insider’s guide shares the hard-won, hard-core
coding experience of the Microsoft ASP.NET development
team, revealing the most productive ways to exploit ASP.NET
features and functionality to build dynamic Web solutions
faster.
Companion Web Site

Table of Contents
Microsoft ASP.NET Coding Strategies with the Microsoft ASP.NET Team
Introduction
Chapter 1 - ASP.NET Page Framework
Chapter 2 - Server Controls
Chapter 3 - Data Controls
Chapter 4 - Developing for Mobile Browsers
Chapter 5 - Managing Client State
Chapter 6 - Managing Application and Request State
Chapter 7 - Configuration
Chapter 8 - ASP.NET Security
Chapter 9 - Tuning ASP.NET Performance
Chapter 10 - ASP.NET Debug and Trace
Chapter 11 - Moving to ASP.NET
Appendix A- Tips and Tricks
Appendix B- The Cassini Sample Web Server
Index
List of Figures
List of Tables
List of Code Listings
List of Sidebars
Microsoft ASP.NET Coding Strategies with the Microsoft
Back Cover ASP.NET Team
Learn the strategiesb tyh aMta dtethveewlo pGeibrsb sa ta Mndic rRoosbo fHt ouwsea rtdo build great AISSBPN.:N07E3T5 6a1p9p00lixcations—and get their sample
programs! This in-depth insider’s guide shares the hard-won, hard-core coding experience of the Microsoft ASP.NET
Microsoft Press © 2003 (319 pages)
development team, revealing the most productive ways to exploit ASP.NET features and functionality to build
dynamic Web solutioTnhsis f ains-tdere.p Fthro imns imdearx’sim giuziindge sahpaprliecsa ttihoen hscaardla-bwiloitny, ahnadrd p-ecrofroermance to designing and
implementing securictoy dfienagt uerxepse, ryieonuc ege otf tthhee bMeisctr opsraocftt iAceSsP,. NpeEeTr -dteov-epleoeprm aednvtice, and reusable, real-world code to
take your own Web tdeeavmel,o rpemveeanltin egx ptheert miseo stto pthroed nuecxtitv ele vweal.ys to exploit ASP.NET
features and functionality to build dynamic Web solutions
Discover how to: faster.
Companion Web Site
Reduce coding time with server controls and data controls
Lear best practices for managing client, application, and request state

Use output caching and partial page caching to boost program functionality and scalability
Table of Contents
Simplify development for mobile and handheld devices with ASP.NET mobile controls
MicrosIomftp lAeSmPe.NntE Tse Ccoudriitnyg f eSatrtuatreegsi—esin wcliuthd itnhge aMuitchreonstoifcta AtioSnP,. NaEuTth Toeraizmation, impersonation, server hardening, and
code access security
Introduction
Use debug and trace to troubleshoot bottlenecks before your site goes live
Chapter 1 - ASP.NET Page Framework
Know the steps for performance tuning—and where to invest your time for the biggest payoffs
ChaptAenr s2we-r Stheer v“erre wCrointet roorls integrate?” question when planning application migration strategy
Chapter 3 - Data Controls
About the Authors
Chapter 4 - Developing for Mobile Browsers
Chapter 5 - Managing Client State
Matthew Gibbs is a lead software design engineer on the Microsoft ASP.NET team and was part of the product
tCeahmapst efor r6 Ac-tivMea Sneagrvinegr PAapgpelisc a3t.io0n, Ianntder Rneetq uInefsot rSmtaatteion Services (IIS) versions 4.0 and 5.0, Mobile Internet
Toolkit, and Microsoft .Net Framework 1.1.
Chapter 7 - Configuration
Chapter 8 - ASP.NET Security
Rob Howard is a Microsoft program manager responsible for caching, session state, and other ASP.NET
inCfhraaspttreurc 9ture- Tfeuantiunrge sA.S HPe.N aElsTo P reurnfosr mthaen AcSeP.NET Web site and ASP.NET Forums, as well as speaking at
cCohnafeprteenr c1e0s -anAdS Pw.rNitEinTg D beoboukgs aanndd Tarratciceles.
Chapter 11 - Moving to ASP.NET
Appendix A- Tips and Tricks
Appendix B- The Cassini Sample Web Server
Index
List of Figures
List of Tables
List of Code Listings
List of Sidebars
MicrosofMt icArosSofPt A.SNP.NEETT C oCdinog dStiranteggi eSs wtirtha thtee Mgicireossoft with the
ASP.NET Team
Microsofbty MAatSthePw .GNibbEs aTnd RTobe Haowmard ISBN:073561900x
Microsoft Press © 2003 (319 pages)
Matthew Gibbs RThoisb iHn-odwepatrhd insider’s guide shares the hard-won, hard-core
coding experience of the Microsoft ASP.NET development
team, revealing the most productive ways to exploit ASP.NET
PUBLISHED BY Microsoft Press A Division of Microsoft Corporation One Microsoft Way Redmond,
features and functionality to build dynamic Web solutions
Washington 98052-6399
faster.
Copyright © 2003 by MCoicmropsaonfiot nC oWrepbo rSaittieon
All rights reserved. No part of the contents of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by
Taabnley mofe Caonns twenithtsout the written permission of the publisher.
Microsoft ASP.NET Coding Strategies with the Microsoft ASP.NET Team
InLtirbordauryct oiofn Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Gibbs, Matthew, 1971-Microsoft ASP.NET Coding
Strategies with the Microsoft ASP.NET Team / Matthew Gibbs. p. cm. Includes index. ISBN 0-7356-1900-X
Chapter 1 - ASP.NET Page Framework
1. Active server pages. 2. Web sites--Design. 3. Microsoft .NET. I. Howard, Rob, 1973-II. Title.
Chapter 2 - Server Controls
Chapter 3 - Data Controls
TK5105.8885.A26G53 2003 005.2'76--dc21 2003056218
Chapter 4 - Developing for Mobile Browsers
CPharipntteerd 5 an-d Mbaonuangdin ign Cthliee nUt nSitteadte States of America.
Chapter 6 - Managing Application and Request State
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 QWT 8 7 6 5 4 3
Chapter 7 - Configuration
Chapter 8 - ASP.NET Security
Distributed in Canada by H.B. Fenn and Company Ltd.
Chapter 9 - Tuning ASP.NET Performance
CAha CptIPer c1a0ta-loAgSuPe.N rEeTc oDredb ufogr athnids Tbroaocke is available from the British Library.
Chapter 11 - Moving to ASP.NET
Microsoft Press books are available through booksellers and distributors worldwide. For further information
Appendix A- Tips and Tricks
about international editions, contact your local Microsoft Corporation office or contact Microsoft Press
Appendix B- The Cassini Sample Web Server
International directly at fax [phone]. Visit our Web site at www.microsoft.com/mspress. Send
Index
comments to [email protected].
List of Figures
LiIsntt eolfl iTSaebnlesse, Internet Explorer, JScript, Microsoft, Microsoft Press, MSDN, MSN, Visual Basic, Visual C++,
LiVstis oufa Cl oSdtue dLiios,t iWngisndows, Windows NT, and Windows Server are either registered trademarks or
Litsrta dofe Smidaerkbsar osf Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. Other product and
company names mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.
The example companies, organizations, products, domain names, e-mail addresses, logos, people,
places, and events depicted herein are fictitious. No association with any real company, organization,
product, domain name, e-mail address, logo, person, place, or event is intended or should be inferred.
Acquisitions Editor: Anne Hamilton Technical Editors: Mike Fitzgerald, Robert Brunner Project Editor:
Barbara Moreland
Body Part No. X09-45919
About the Authors
Matt Gibbs is a lead Software Design Engineer on the Microsoft ASP.NET team. Previously he was part of
the product teams for Active Server Pages 3.0, Internet Information Services (IIS) versions 4.0 and 5.0,
Mobile Internet Toolkit version 1.0, and Microsoft .NET Framework version 1.1.
Matt has a master's degree in computer science from the University of Washington and a bachelor's
degree in computer science from the University of Utah. He enjoys traveling as well as playing golf and
squash. You can reach Matt at [email protected].
Rob Howard is a Program Manager on the Microsoft ASP.NET team. He has contributed to ASP.NET
features such as session state, Web services, and caching as well as to many of the new features coming
in ASP.NET 2.0. He also is actively involved in the ASP.NET community, working closely with groups such
as ASPInsiders, Microsoft MVPs, and community user groups. You can contact Rob at
Microsoft ASP.NET Coding Strategies with the Microsoft
[email protected].
ASP.NET Team
Acknowledgmenbtys Matthew Gibbs and Rob Howard ISBN:073561900x
Microsoft Press © 2003 (319 pages)
We would like to Tthhaisn ikn -thdeep ttahl einnsteidde rp’se ogupildee w seh ahraevse t hweo hrkaerdd- wwoitnh, ohna rtdh-isc obroeok. Anne Hamilton got the book
going and helpedc okdeienpg iet xmpeorvieinngc.e B oaf rtbhaer aM Microorseolfat nAdS dPi.dN EaT f adnevtaeslotipcm joebn tas project editor. Technical editors
Mike Fitzgerald atneda mR,o rbeevret aBlinrugn tnheer mmoasdt ep rsoudruec twivee dwidany'st lteot eexrprolorist AgSePt .tNhrEoTugh, and Ina Chang helped us
features and functionality to build dynamic Web solutions
learn to write better by relentlessly improving on what we did.
faster.
I would like to thank mCyo mwpifaen, iHone aWtheebr S, iatend my two children, Josh and Kelley, for their extreme patience
and understanding while I worked on this book. I missed a lot of weekend activities with them to make this

book a reality. Thanks also go to Dmitry Robsman, David Ebbo, and Shanku Niyogi, with whom I have
Table of Contents
worked for the past few years. I have expanded my abilities by collaborating with them on designs and by
Mbicrraoinsosftto rAmSPin.Ng EaTb Couodt ipnrgo bSlteramtesg.ies with the Microsoft ASP.NET Team
Introduction
CMhaapttter 1 - ASP.NET Page Framework
Chapter 2 - Server Controls
Thanks to my family and friends for their patience with yet another book project.
Chapter 3 - Data Controls
CRhaopbter 4 - Developing for Mobile Browsers
Chapter 5 - Managing Client State
Chapter 6 - Managing Application and Request State
Chapter 7 - Configuration
Chapter 8 - ASP.NET Security
Chapter 9 - Tuning ASP.NET Performance
Chapter 10 - ASP.NET Debug and Trace
Chapter 11 - Moving to ASP.NET
Appendix A- Tips and Tricks
Appendix B- The Cassini Sample Web Server
Index
List of Figures
List of Tables
List of Code Listings
List of Sidebars
IntroductMiiocronsoft ASP.NET Coding Strategies with the Microsoft
ASP.NET Team
by Matthew Gibbs and Rob Howard ISBN:073561900x
In this book, we'll look at the ASP.NET platform for developing Web applications. We take it for granted
Microsoft Press © 2003 (319 pages)
that you have some experience with Microsoft ASP.NET and are looking for more ideas for tackling Web
This in-depth insider’s guide shares the hard-won, hard-core
development tasks and leveraging what ASP.NET has to offer. However, we'll review some of the basics
coding experience of the Microsoft ASP.NET development
about how the page framework and server controls work. We'll also examine the features of ASP.NET and
team, revealing the most productive ways to exploit ASP.NET
discuss how theyf eaaretu dreess iagnnde fdu. nLcotitosn oafl itcyo dtoe b euxialdm dpylneasm wicil lW ilelubs tsroaluteti oonusr coding strategies, and along the
way we include Tfiapsst ethr.at will help you make the most of ASP.NET.
Companion Web Site
Prerequisites

TaTbhleis obfo Cookn atsesnutms es some familiarity with HTML and Web application development. Code samples are
Mwicrriottseonf ti nA SCP#.N bEuTt dCood ninogt tSytpriactaelglyie ust iwliziteh cthoem Mpilcerxo lsaonftg AuSaPg.eN EfeTa Ttueraems, so developers familiar with C/C++,
InJtarovadu, cotri oMnicrosoft Visual Basic should be able to follow along without difficulty.
Chapter 1 - ASP.NET Page Framework
Chapter 2 - Server Controls
Chapter 3 - Data Controls
Chapter 4 - Developing for Mobile Browsers
Chapter 5 - Managing Client State
Chapter 6 - Managing Application and Request State
Chapter 7 - Configuration
Chapter 8 - ASP.NET Security
Chapter 9 - Tuning ASP.NET Performance
Chapter 10 - ASP.NET Debug and Trace
Chapter 11 - Moving to ASP.NET
Appendix A- Tips and Tricks
Appendix B- The Cassini Sample Web Server
Index
List of Figures
List of Tables
List of Code Listings
List of Sidebars
Structure of This Book
Microsoft ASP.NET Coding Strategies with the Microsoft
ASP.NET Team
Most of the chaptbeyr sM inat tthhiesw b Gooibkb,s w ahnidch R dobis cHuoswsa vrda rious ASP.NIESBTN f:0e7a3t5u6r1e9s00 axnd development topics, are
freestanding-thatM isic, ryoosuo fdt oPnre'ts hsa ©v 2e0 0to3 (r3e1a9 dpa tghees) chapters in order. Throughout we include Tips and Notes to
help you leverageT hAisS Pin.-NdeEpTt hin i ndseidveerl’osp ginugid ed ysnhaamreisc tWhee hba ardp-pwliocna,t ihoanrsd. -Wcoere created these Notes based on
our experiences dcoedveinlgo peixnpge ArieSnPc.eN oEfT t haen dM iocrno sooufrt wASoPrk.N wEiTth d ceuvsetloopmmeernst, in which we explored the
challenges of cretaetainmg, lraervgeea lainngd t shme malol Wst epbro sdiutecsti,v ae sw wayesll taos e sxiptelosi ti nAtSenP.dNeEdT for access by internal
features and functionality to build dynamic Web solutions
corporate groups and by the general public.
faster.
Companion Web Site

Table of Contents
Microsoft ASP.NET Coding Strategies with the Microsoft ASP.NET Team
Introduction
Chapter 1 - ASP.NET Page Framework
Chapter 2 - Server Controls
Chapter 3 - Data Controls
Chapter 4 - Developing for Mobile Browsers
Chapter 5 - Managing Client State
Chapter 6 - Managing Application and Request State
Chapter 7 - Configuration
Chapter 8 - ASP.NET Security
Chapter 9 - Tuning ASP.NET Performance
Chapter 10 - ASP.NET Debug and Trace
Chapter 11 - Moving to ASP.NET
Appendix A- Tips and Tricks
Appendix B- The Cassini Sample Web Server
Index
List of Figures
List of Tables
List of Code Listings
List of Sidebars
Sample Files
Microsoft ASP.NET Coding Strategies with the Microsoft
ASP.NET Team
The complete setb oy fM saatmthpewle Gcoibdbes caannd Rbeob d Howownalorad ded from theIS bBNo:o07k3’s5 6W19e00bx site
(http://www.microMsoicfrto.csoomft /Pmresspsr e©s 2s0/0b3o (o31k9s p/6ag5e7s)8.asp). Click Companion Content in the More Information
box on the right sTidheis o inf -thdeisp ptha gines itdoe br’rsi nggu iudpe tshhea rCeso mthpea hnaiordn- wCoonn,t ehanrt dp-acogree.Following the structure of the
book, the code sacomdpinlegs e axrpee roiergnacen iozfe tdh ein tMoi car osseotf to Af cShPa.NpEteT rd seuvbedloirpemcetonrties, making it easy to create a
virtual directory atneda mtry, roeuvte tahlien gc othdee mono syto purro douwcnti vmea wcahyinse t.o exploit ASP.NET
features and functionality to build dynamic Web solutions
faster.
Companion Web Site

Table of Contents
Microsoft ASP.NET Coding Strategies with the Microsoft ASP.NET Team
Introduction
Chapter 1 - ASP.NET Page Framework
Chapter 2 - Server Controls
Chapter 3 - Data Controls
Chapter 4 - Developing for Mobile Browsers
Chapter 5 - Managing Client State
Chapter 6 - Managing Application and Request State
Chapter 7 - Configuration
Chapter 8 - ASP.NET Security
Chapter 9 - Tuning ASP.NET Performance
Chapter 10 - ASP.NET Debug and Trace
Chapter 11 - Moving to ASP.NET
Appendix A- Tips and Tricks
Appendix B- The Cassini Sample Web Server
Index
List of Figures
List of Tables
List of Code Listings
List of Sidebars
Software Needed to Run the Samples
Microsoft ASP.NET Coding Strategies with the Microsoft
ASP.NET Team
The .NET Framebwyo Mrka SttDheKw, wGhibicbhs ainncdl uRdoebs H AoSwPa.rNd ET, is requirIeSdBN t:o0 7r3u5n61 t9h0e0x sample code. ASP.NET
requires either MiMcricorsoosfotf Wt Pirnedsosw ©s 2 020030 (031,9 M paicgreos)soft Windows XP Professional, or Microsoft Windows Server
2003. You can usTeh iMs iicnr-odseopftth W inisniddoerw’ss gXuPid He oshmaere Es dthiteio nha frodr- wdeovne, lhoaprmd-ecnotr,e but Microsoft Internet
Information Serviccoedsi n(IgIS e)x ipse nrioetn acev aoifla tbhlee Mfoicrr tohsaotf tp AlaStPfo.NrmET. Adnev aelltoeprmnaetnivte is to use a development Web
server. The .NETt eFarmam, reewvoearklin SgD thKe c mano sbte p rdoodwunctliovaed weady fso tro f reexep lforoitm AS hPt.tpN:E//Tgo.microsoft.com/fwlink/?
features and functionality to build dynamic Web solutions
linkid=8862.
faster.
Companion Web Site

Table of Contents
Microsoft ASP.NET Coding Strategies with the Microsoft ASP.NET Team
Introduction
Chapter 1 - ASP.NET Page Framework
Chapter 2 - Server Controls
Chapter 3 - Data Controls
Chapter 4 - Developing for Mobile Browsers
Chapter 5 - Managing Client State
Chapter 6 - Managing Application and Request State
Chapter 7 - Configuration
Chapter 8 - ASP.NET Security
Chapter 9 - Tuning ASP.NET Performance
Chapter 10 - ASP.NET Debug and Trace
Chapter 11 - Moving to ASP.NET
Appendix A- Tips and Tricks
Appendix B- The Cassini Sample Web Server
Index
List of Figures
List of Tables
List of Code Listings
List of Sidebars
Creating an IIS Virtual Directory
Microsoft ASP.NET Coding Strategies with the Microsoft
ASP.NET Team
ASP.NET handlebsy r eMqauttehsetws iGssibubesd a tnod a R Wobe Hb oswearvrde r, which is tyISpBicNa:0ll7y3 5II6S1 9o0n0x the Microsoft Windows
platform. If you arMei curosisnogft V Pirseusasl ©S 2tu00d3io (3 t1o9 pcargeeas)te Web pages, Visual Studio will automatically create a
virtual directory foTrh yiso uin.- dWehptehn inussiidnegr ’tsh egu .iNdEe Tsh Farraesm tehwe ohrakr dw-iwthoonu,t hVairsdu-acol Sretudio, you will need to create a
virtual directory ucnoledsinsg y eoxup aerriee nucsein ogf tthhee dMeicfraouslot fWt AeSbP s.NiteE Tp dheyvseicloapl mdierencttory.
team, revealing the most productive ways to exploit ASP.NET
To set up an IIS vfiertautaurl edsi raencdto fruyn fcotrio AnSalPity.N tEo Tb,u yilodu d mynuasmt ifcir sWt ehba vsoel uat idoinresctory on disk to be used for the
faster.
application. Of course, we assume that you also have IIS and the .NET Framework installed. In this
example, we'll use a sCaommpplaen dioinre Wcteobry S citreeated at C:\SampleApplication. To create the IIS virtual directory,
perform the following steps:

1. On Windows 2000, select Programs from the Start menu, and then select Administrative Tools and
Table of Contents
Internet Services Manager. If you are using Windows XP, select Control Panel from the Start menu.
Microsoft ASP.NET Coding Strategies with the Microsoft ASP.NET Team
Choose Performance And Maintenance, Administrative Tools, and then Internet Information
Introduction
Services. Alternatively, you can type inetmgr at the prompt you see after selecting Run from the
Chapter 1 - ASP.NET Page Framework
Start menu.
Chapter 2 - Server Controls
Chap2te.r E3xp-aDnadt ath Ceo lnotcraolls computer node followed by the Web Sites node.
Chapter 4 - Developing for Mobile Browsers
3. Right-click the Default Web Site node. Select New and then Virtual Directory from the expanded
Chapter 5 - Managing Client State
menu.
Chapter 6 - Managing Application and Request State
Chapter 7 - Configuration
4. On the first page of the Virtual Directory Creation Wizard, click Next. Then enter the alias for the
Chapter 8 - ASP.NET Security
application, which will be part of the URL path used to access the Web pages of the new
Chapter a9pp-liTcuantiionng. AFSoPr .eNxEaTm Ppelrefo, rymoaun wceould type SampleApplication and the URL to get to the application
Chapter f1r0om- AthSaP.t NmETa cDheinbeu:g h atntpd: /T/loraccaelhost/SampleApplication. Click Next to continue.
Chapter 11 - Moving to ASP.NET
Appe5n.dixE Ant-erT itphse a pnhdy Tsricicakls location where the Web application will exist. In our example, we would use
C:\SampleApplication. Click Next to get to the Access Permission page.
Appendix B- The Cassini Sample Web Server
Index
6. Many any necessary changes to the security for the application. See Chapter 9 for detailed
List of Figures
information about security considerations. Click Next and then click Finish.
List of Tables
LiTsth eof IICSo dVeir tLuisatli nDgisrectory now exists, and .ASPX pages that you place in the physical location
Li(sCt :o\Sf SamidepblearAspplication) are accessible from the newly created virtual directory at
http://MachineName/SampleApplication.
Web.config Code Samples
Microsoft ASP.NET Coding Strategies with the Microsoft
ASP.NET Team
Many of the discubsys iMonatst hine wth Gisi bbboso akn edv Roolvbe Haorwouanrdd configuratioISnB sNe:0t7ti3n5g6s19 p00laxced in configuration files. The
configuration dataM iiscr ionshoeftr itPerdes fsr o©m 20 a03p (p3l1ic9 aptaigoens) roots that already exist in the Web address. For example,
consider the samTphleis UinR-dLe hpttthp :in//sloidcearl’hso gsut/idSeo msheaArepsp tlihcea thioanrd/p-wagone,. ahsaprxd-. cSooreme configuration data specified
in the machine.cocnofdigin gfi leex cpaenri ebnec eo voef rtrhided Menic rinos ao fwt eAbS.Pc.oNnEfTig d feilvee lpolpamceedn tin the physical directory of the
Default Web Sitet. eAagma,i nre, vine athlineg S tohme meAopstp plicroadtiuocnt idvier ewcatoyrsy t,o s eexttpinlogist AcSaPn. NbEeT modified in a web.config file.
features and functionality to build dynamic Web solutions
faster.
To avoid a lot of code samples being named web.config, throughout the book we have used more
descriptive names forC coomnpfiagnuiroant ioWne bfi leSist.e When using the sample .config files, remember to rename them
to web.config, or the sample .ASPX pages will not behave as expected.

Table of Contents
Microsoft ASP.NET Coding Strategies with the Microsoft ASP.NET Team
Introduction
Chapter 1 - ASP.NET Page Framework
Chapter 2 - Server Controls
Chapter 3 - Data Controls
Chapter 4 - Developing for Mobile Browsers
Chapter 5 - Managing Client State
Chapter 6 - Managing Application and Request State
Chapter 7 - Configuration
Chapter 8 - ASP.NET Security
Chapter 9 - Tuning ASP.NET Performance
Chapter 10 - ASP.NET Debug and Trace
Chapter 11 - Moving to ASP.NET
Appendix A- Tips and Tricks
Appendix B- The Cassini Sample Web Server
Index
List of Figures
List of Tables
List of Code Listings
List of Sidebars