ASP.NET represents the latest technology to enable server-side scripting of not only Web sites, but Web services as well. Their "Web Matrix" is a community-supported, easy-to-use WYSIWYG application development tool for ASP.NET. It can be installed via a quick 1.2 MB download (about 5 minutes using a 56Kb modem). Not only that, it’s absolutely free! Among the features are an ASP.NET "Page Designer" with drag and drop ASP.NET server controls, conveniently integrated support to create and edit SQL and MSDE databases, easy Data Bound UI Generation, XML Web Services Support and an easy toolkit to build mobile applications. In a very Macromedia Dreamweaver inspired fashio, it also sports projectless file and FTP workspaces, which allows developers to easily organize and edit their ASP.NET applications. As though this were not enough, a development web server is also throw in — without requiring IIS! Finally, and this is a really cool feature, it provides a built-in gateway to the ASP.NET community right within the IDE — allowing you to browse community web sites and search the ASP.NET Forums and Newsgroups for help. Fabulous! Some helpful links ASP.NET Web Matrix — The main spiel page with screenshots Inside ASP.NET Web Matrix [PDF] — A very, very useful PDF tutorial from Wrox about using Web Matrix MSDN Episode covering Web Matrix [Videos] — If you don’t mind video, this is an MSDN video covering an interview with a couple of ASP.NET developers and actual demos of how to utilize the tool.
