I have been developing web sites for 7 years starting with HTML 4.0 and working my way up to PHP and MySQL. I've recently purchase a Microsoft based server and would like nothing more to become as skilled in developing websites with a Microsoft language as I have with several other languages. The only problem is, I do not know where to start. I've purchased books on ASP and ASP.NET but they seem to only want to use a Visual .NET platform. I've coded every page by hand and feel that the Visual .NET platform over complicates somethings. However, I am willing to be convinced that the Visual .NET platform is better than using my standard Dreamweaver CS3.

The main question, and reason I sought after a forum such as this, is this; What language should I learn to develop in? It is to my understanding I can use a variety of languages, VB, C++, C#. I want to choose a language that will take me further than I ever dreamed of going. I know there will be mixed reviews as to which to go with, and I was leaning towards C# personally. Or does ASP have it's own flavor of coding itself?

I have a great understanding of XHTML, CSS, and JavaScript for client side. I worked primarily in PHP, but have some knowledge of ColdFusion and VB Script for Server side languages. I am not very familiar with OOProgramming, but willing to learn. I am looking to develop a site using xml data, with a back end administration area. This part would be a breeze to me if I were using PHP, but that would defeat the purpose of learning a new language. I need your help guys/gals, where do I turn now?

Anthony Pipkin

If I were you, I would start with C#, as you will be more accustomed to curly braces and semi-colons with your php/javascript background.  VB.Net can wait, although you will probably find you pick that up v quickly when you get round to it.  In essence though, the language you choose is largely irrelevant with .Net, as they are just different means of achieving the same end.  Pick the one you are most comfortable with.

Get to know Visual Studio or the free Visual Web Developer Express. They will both make development a million times easier than doing everything by hand.  Having said that, I am not familiar with DW CS3, and don't know how much support it offers ASP.NET 2.0.  If it recognises Master Pages, then it's a step up from DW 8.

The key to ASP.NET success is not necessarily the language (like with classic ASP) - it's knowledge of the base class library. 

PS.  Try some of the basic stuff in your books to familiarise yourself with the environment and framework.  At some point it will click together for you and you will eventually get to the point of wondering why you ever used PHP.  Mark my words.  

Yer I would second that!  You speak of ASP and ASP.NET.  ASP or Classic ASP is now considered dated now ASP.NET has come around!  I use C# and dont regret it- loads of people use this, say this alot of people use VB.NET.  I dont use VB.NET because it is weakly typed and mistakes can be easily made- in my view its defintatly work learning c#. 

A great place to start is http://asp.net/learn here they have an ever expanding array of videos explaining how to do things (and i think some beginner ones).  Yes after being familiar with .NET you will wonder why you bothered with PHP!!  Due to the framework, you have a wide selection of controls that are easy to use and complex tasks can be completed in a few lines of code. 

Your HTML and CSS skills will not go to waste.  I try to split content up from code (ASP.NET helps alot by splitting the html page and code behind).  I often use dreamweaver for designing then VS2005 for development, so your DW skills will not be wasted either!

Good luck,

definetly c# not only for ur php background but also because most examples u will find on this forum are in c# and that will help u to try the examples without porting into vb or other language; wich is ur primal need and problem with .net and programmin in OO language? I mean is there something particular u dont feel attuned for?

DavidKiff:

I dont use VB.NET because it is weakly typed...

Not necessarily: http://www.braintique.com/csharp/chapters/06ch02.shtml 

Ahh thats interesting!  Thanks for that!