edX Online

Learn ASP.NET with online courses and programs

As a web development framework for the .NET developer platform, ASP.NET helps create applications with efficiency and flexibility. Learn ASP.NET with online courses delivered through edX.

What is ASP.NET?

ASP.NET is a free, open-source web development framework created by Microsoft. It’s built on top of .NET, a web development platform with multiple tools, libraries, and programming languages that help programmers build various applications.1 ASP.NET is simply an extension of .NET, comprising additional features to optimize the platform.

But what is an ASP, and what does it have to do with the ASP.NET framework? ASP stands for “Active Server Page” and is Microsoft’s first server-side scripting language. Its primary purpose was to generate interactive and dynamic web pages for users. It evolved to ASP.NET in 2002, providing more capabilities to fit developers’ ever-changing needs.2 ASP.NET Core is its most recent improvement. This updated framework helps programmers build cloud-based web apps on Windows, macOS, and Linux.3

Maximize Your Potential

Sign up for special offers, career resources, and recommendations that will help you grow, prepare, and advance in your career.

Browse online ASP.NET Courses

Find new interests and advance your career opportunities

Stand out in your field

Use the knowledge and skills you have gained to drive impact at work and grow your career.

Learn at your own pace

On your computer, tablet or phone, online courses make learning flexible to fit your busy life.

Earn a valuable credential

Showcase your key skills and valuable knowledge.

Courses

Related Topics

Features of ASP.NET

ASP.NET consists of three key frameworks: ASP.NET MVC, ASP.NET Web Pages, and Web Forms. Each framework has its share of benefits:

  • ASP.NET MVC: Based on the “model-view-controller” design pattern, this framework helps separate a computer program into distinct sections, allowing for a more organized, controlled development process.4

  • ASP.NET Web Pages: Alongside the Razor syntax, Web Pages can be used to simply combine HTML and server code and build engaging web content.5

  • Web Forms: Consisting of components like HTML, server controls, and server code, ASP.NET Web Forms help developers create intuitive web interfaces. They make it easier for users to interact with certain web pages and provide input where necessary.6

ASP.NET can be a useful framework for developers who want to build attention-grabbing websites, create an innovative mobile app, or elevate their company’s SaaS services. Companies such as Stack Overflow, GoDaddy, and Siemens Healthineers have used the framework.7

ASP.NET tutorial curriculum

If you want to effectively build web applications, learning about ASP.NET is one way to get started. An ASP.NET tutorial is designed to equip you with the tools and techniques needed to create modern, intuitive applications. An ASP.NET course may begin by covering the basics of the framework, and then reviewing Web Forms, ASP.NET MVC, and ASP.NET Web Pages. You may also learn about its web page templating syntax, Razor, and the other programming languages that can be used to build web pages.8 As you progress, it’s important to gain hands-on experience with web development, deployment, and ASP.NET website hosting.

If you are interested in building your web development skills, explore the range of courses offered through edX. Practice specific skills with specialized boot camps. Or enroll in a full degree program that can enable you to earn a bachelor’s degree or, for those with previous educational experience, a master’s degree. With courses offered through edX, you can put your knowledge into practice and bring your ideas to life, step by step.

Explore jobs that use ASP.NET

.NET and, by extension, ASP.NET are used for their security, flexibility, performance, and versatility.9 Across industries, their many features and capabilities help developers build web applications quickly and efficiently.

Some roles that may use ASP.NET include:

  • Full stack developer: A full stack developer has extensive knowledge of front- and back-end languages. Because ASP.NET allows you to use both, developers may rely on the framework to develop important aspects of a web application, from the server side to the client side.

  • Mobile app developer: A mobile app developer may use both .NET and ASP.NET to create their apps with C#. For instance, The Postage is one startup that relied heavily on ASP.NET features to deliver an intuitive platform their users could trust.10

  • Web developer: Alongside other web development languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, ASP.NET can be used by web developers to build interactive, user-friendly websites that support long-term business growth.

How to use ASP.NET

If you’re looking to become a developer and want to use ASP.NET in your day-to-day work, it’s helpful to enter the industry with a deep understanding of computer science and programming. You can build this knowledge base by earning a relevant degree such as a bachelor’s degree in computer or data science or by enrolling in a coding boot camp. Additionally, learning about C#, F#, and Visual Basic may help to better familiarize you with the framework, as they’re the primary programming languages used.

To find a role that uses ASP.NET and aligns with your long-term career goals, it’s important to put in the prep work. This includes learning how to answer technical ASP.NET interview questions or demonstrate your understanding through an assignment. You’ll also want to know how to launch ASP.NET, use its drag-and-drop model, and navigate its many components to create powerful, high-performing web applications.

With continuous practice and a growth mindset, you can develop a skill set that helps you contribute to impactful web solutions.

More opportunities for you to learn

We've added 500+ learning opportunities to create one of the world's most comprehensive free-to-degree online learning platforms.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    1. What is ASP.NET?Microsoft.Retrieved January 18, 2023.

    2. Introduction to ASP.NET. (2019). GeeksforGeeks.Retrieved March 17, 2023.

    3. Choose Between ASP.NET 4.x and ASP.NET Core. (2023). Microsoft.Retrieved January 18, 2023.

    4. ASP.NET Overview. (2022). Microsoft.Retrieved January 18, 2023.

    5. ASP.NET Overview. (2022). Microsoft.Retrieved January 18, 2023.

    6. What Is Web Forms. (2022). Microsoft.Retrieved January 18, 2023.

    7. ASP.NET Customers Showcase. Microsoft.Retrieved January 18, 2023.

    8. What Is ASP.NET?Microsoft.Retrieved January 18, 2023.

    9. Why Choose .NET?Microsoft.Retrieved January 18, 2023.

    10. Startup Chooses Blazor and Xamarin for Full-Stack Development Using C#. (2021). Microsoft.Retrieved January 19, 2023.