Getting Started with ASP.NET Core
Welcome to the world of ASP.NET Core! This tutorial series will guide you through building modern, cross-platform, and high-performance web applications.
What is ASP.NET Core?
ASP.NET Core is an open-source, cross-platform framework for building modern, cloud-based, internet-connected applications. It's a rewrite of ASP.NET 4.x, designed for performance and modularity. You can develop applications using C#, F#, or Visual Basic.
Key Benefits:
- Cross-Platform: Run your applications on Windows, macOS, and Linux.
- High Performance: Optimized for speed and efficiency.
- Modular Design: Lightweight and extensible, allowing you to include only what you need.
- Unified Story: ASP.NET Core supports building both web UI (like MVC and Razor Pages) and web APIs in a single project.
- Open Source: Developed and maintained by Microsoft and the community.
Prerequisites
Before you begin, ensure you have the following installed:
- .NET SDK: Download and install the latest .NET SDK from the official .NET website.
- Code Editor: Visual Studio Code is highly recommended, but Visual Studio or JetBrains Rider are also excellent choices.
Creating Your First ASP.NET Core Application
Let's create a simple "Hello, World!" web application using the .NET CLI.
-
Open your terminal or command prompt.
-
Create a new directory for your project and navigate into it:
mkdir MyWebApp cd MyWebApp
-
Create a new ASP.NET Core Web App project:
dotnet new webapp
This command creates a new project with a Razor Pages structure.
-
Run the application:
dotnet run
-
Open your web browser and navigate to the URL provided in the output (usually
https://localhost:5001
orhttp://localhost:5000
).
Next Steps
Now that you have a basic understanding and have set up your environment, dive into specific areas:
- Learn about ASP.NET Core MVC for building server-rendered applications with distinct models, views, and controllers.
- Explore Razor Pages for a simpler, page-centric approach to building web UI.
- Discover how to build Web APIs to power your Single Page Applications (SPAs) or mobile apps.