Applications in ASP.Net and WCF - Some Differences

There is a lot to be discussed about the difference between ASP.Net and WCF or Windows Communication Foundation.

What ASP. NET Web API is

First of all, let us know what actually ASP. NET Web API is. It is actually a framework that utilizes HTTP services and in the process, makes it easier to respond to the requests raised by the clients. The response provided depends upon the type or nature of the requests. The main function of the Web API is to build the HTTP services, along with handling the requests by using various HTTP driven protocols. Hence, it can well be said that ASP. NET Web API is an HTTP service that uses typical HTTP applications and is designed to reach a wider spectrum of clients having a wide range of requirements.

ASP.Net Web based API is used to create RESTful or Representational State Transfer services. Some of the salient features of the ASP.Net Web API are discussed below.

• It supports various features of MVC applications
• It is a typical REST services platform
• It is a HTTP service creating framework
• It comes up with API MediaType Formatter that can format the responses into JSON or JavaScript Object Notation as well as XML or Extencible Markup Language.

Choosing between WCF and Web API

Web API

• For creating a service with all HTTP features, you need to choose Web API. Some of these features include request headers and response headers, versioning, URIs and the likes.
• Choosing API becomes imperative when there is need for exposing HTTP services to a wider spectrum of clients through mobiles, iPhones, browsers and so on.

WCF

• WCF is generally chosen when creating any service that would support one-way messaging, duplex communication, message queues and so on.
• It is also chosen for creating services that utilizes a quick transport channel like UDP, TCP, named pipe criteria etc.

Choosing Web API over ACF or the other way round

Interoperability Of The Clients

RESTful services and particularly API, mainly put emphasis on simplicity. Applications that can access websites as well as RESTful services by using HTTP calls. This may differ from the SOAP, where clients need to understand the web service by using similar HTTP calls. This is different from the SOAP where clients need to understand the web service with the utilization of WSDL file. WSDL configuration makes things to some extent complicated and needs some additional logic that a lot of devices might not come up with. These devices include phones, interactive TVs and so on.

In short, let us discuss the features of the two frameworks so that the readers have a thorough idea.

WCF

• The ServiceContract as well as OperationContract attributes are generally utilized to define the WCF service

• It Supports a number of protocols such as Named Pipes, TCP, HTTP, MSMQ, HTTPS, and TCP

• Hosted by IIS, Windows Activation Service or WAS, Self-hosting, as well as Windows Service

• Supports fast as well as reliable messaging security, absolutely safe, quick and foolproof transaction along with AJAX and REST support.

• Supports DataContract serializer with the use of System.Runtime.Serialization

• Supports Request-Response, One-Way, as well as Duplex service operations

• WCF is much faster than the Web Services

• There is the option of serializing the Hash Table.

•  Unhandled Exceptions do not get back to the clients as in SOAP faults. WCF supports a better handling of exceptions with the use of FaultContract.

• Supports XML, MTOM, as well as Binary encoding of messages.

• Supports multi-threading with the use of ServiceBehaviour class

ASP.NET Web Service

• WebService as well as WebMethod attributes is used to define a web service.

• Supports only HTTP and HTTPS protocols.

• Hosted solely in IIS.

• Support security but it is considered less safe than the WCF.

• Supports serializer of XML with the use of System.Xml.Serialization

• Supports One-Way as well as operations of Request-Response service.

• Web Services are much lower than the WCF in terms of speed

• One cannot serialize Hash Table. It can be done with only those selective collections that implement IEnumerable as well as ICollection.

• Unhandled Exceptions are returned as SOAP faults to the clients.

• Supports XML as well as Message Transmission Optimization Mechanism or MTOM message encoding.

• Does not support multi-threading

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New Features In ASP.NET 4.5 Webforms

The new version 4.5 of ASP.NET Web Forms has come up with a string of latest value-added features that are specifically designed as well as developed for superior user experience, that come in handy at the time of working with huge databases.

In all the earlier versions of ASP.NET, the users had to use various expressions like Bind() and Eval() while using data-binding for deriving the object member value. However, in case of the latest version, the users will be able to declare the type or class of the control-bound data with the use of the new ItemType property. Once this property is set, the user will be able to use a strong variable for receiving the benefits that Visual Studio features. Some of the benefits include effective member navigation, IntelliSense, compilation-time checking option and so on.

The latest data-bound controlling features also help the users to specify customized methods that may be used to select, update, modify, delete, or insert data, and to simplify the interactions between application logics and page controls. Besides, the latest version also comes up with a latest model binding feature that helps users to map the data directly from the page into the method parameters.

Validation of user input has become much easier in the latest version which helps users to annotate the customized model classes with various attributes of validation from the System.ComponentModel.DataAnnotations namespace.

The new 4.5 version of the web form also integrates jQuery with the client end validation and that provides a much cleaner as well as more composite client-end codes along with the standard features of JavaScript.

Besides, with the introduction of the new version the area that is designated for requesting validation has seen certain improvements. These new features make it much easier for the users to deactivate the request validations selectively, for certain definite parts of the application. Also, going through the request data that have been invalidated, becomes much easier in the newer version.

The server controls of the new version of the Web Form have undergone significant facelift specifically with a view to take maximum advantage provided by the new HTML5 features.

TextMode Property

TextMode Property of the TextBox control has gone through a major modification for supporting the input types like datetime, email etc that HTML5 features.

FileUpload Control

FileUpload Control of the new version can now support upload of multiple files simultaneously from the browsers that support this unique feature of HTML5.

Improved Validator Controls

Improved Validator Controls of the newer version support validation of the input elements that HTML5 comes up with.

UpdatePanel control

The new UpdatePanel control is specifically designed for supporting posting of the input fields that are customary with HTML5.

Client Side JavaScript APIs

The new version also comes up with the client side JavaScript APIs that can be used for initiating connections, sending and receiving messages to and from the server.

Server Side APIs

ASP.NET 4.5 provides improved APIs that the users can easily use for writing codes that specifically accept the WebSocket request from the clients and upgrade HTTP for receiving WebSocket requests.

Improved features of Request Validation

Request Validation is one of the most significant features that have been incorporated in the new version. The new feature examines all the incoming requests to ensure whether they contain harmful contents or not.

Improved Pocket

The latest avatar comes up with an improved pocket that has two features – Deferred Request Validation and ValidateRequestMode property.

Other features that the latest ASP.NET comes up with include Text Box TextMode properties, that supports increased number of values like datetime and email, and huge number of HTML5 controls that support runat=”server” attribute for supporting the “~” sign when it specifies a particular URL.

Also there is an improved File upload control that supports uploading multiple files. You can get in touch with a custom .net development company who can help you with your .Net software projects.

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Creating Web API's and mobile sites with .Net

The ASP.NET Web API framework makes building of HTTP very easy; the services will be able to reach a huge assortment of clients, including both on mobile devices as well as browsers. WebAPI content negotiation ensures data return according to client requests. For example, if the client request is to return data as XML or JSOB, the request type is dealt with the framework, returning the appropriate data according to the media type. This platform is ideal for the building of pure services that are HTTP based. Here HTTP protocol is maintained for the request as well as response. GET, DELETE, PUT and POST request can be made by the client and the appropriate Web API response can be got.

Just serving webpages is not what HTTP is for. The powerful platform also helps in the building up of APIs which expose data as well as services. HTTP is ubiquitous, simple and flexible. Almost all platforms have HTTP libraries so a wide range of clients can be reached through HTTP services, including conventional desktop applications, browsers as well as mobile devices.

ASP.NET WebAPI can be used for the creation of web API which returns a product list. For display of results, jQuery is used by front-end web page. The Visual Studio should be started and New Project selected from Start page. Alternatively, you can also select New from File menu and then choose Project. Go to Templates pane to choose Installed Templates to expand Visual C# node under which Web should be selected. Choose ASP.NET Web Application in the project templates list. The project should then be named “ProductsApp” and then clicked OK. There will be a dialog box named New ASP.NET development Project in which the Empty template should be selected. Check WebAPI under “Add folders and core references for”. Then click OK. The WebAPI template can also be used for the creation of API project.

There is no substantial difference between developing web pages for desktop browsers and that for mobile device browsers. For the creation of apps for mobile devices, a System.Web.Mobile namespace is provided by .NET which is devoted particularly for mobile app development. Webpage may be created from the base class called MobilePage and then controls may be added from System.Web.Mobile namespace which determines a suite of web server adapters and controls that turn out to be extremely useful during the creation of applications. The apps then should be made available to many various mobile devices like cell phones.

Control adaptive architecture is also provided by .NET, which allows the creation of custom device adapters for web server controls. Custom rendering can be created by the adapters for controls, supported by requesting browser. Adaptive architecture helps in the creation of custom adapters for server controls so specific output can be rendered to particular devices accessing the application on browsers. Standard, event-driven model is followed by development so that the application can respond to button clicks, user requests, etc and this is standard for both mobile devices as well as desktop browsers.

Even existing websites can be embedded with some changes to transform it to a more user-friendly version for mobile devices so that the content can fit the tiny screen, boasting of an efficient as well as clean design. All you need is Mobile browser emulator. However, in case of complex applications, it is best to create different user interfaces that have different flows of UI.

The creation of both web APIs as well as mobile sites are easy processes by virtue of .NET. This free framework not only offers ease of development but is extremely versatile, making it a preferred choice amongst developers.

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ASP Dot NET Web Development- Latest Technology with Numerous Advantages

As a widely used web application development framework, ASP.NET needs no introduction. Microsoft further updates the framework constantly to enable developers to build dynamic websites, internet applications and web services rapidly. While developing web applications with ASP.NET, each seasoned developer can further focus on many ongoing trends. As many reports highlighted, the top ASP.NET trends for 2014 includes Open Web Interface for .NET (OWIN), SignalR, ASP.NET Web API and Azure. However, the beginners need to learn features of the framework, along with the advantages of using the latest technology for internet application development.

Key Advantages of ASP Dot NET Web Development

Supports Multiple Website Development Approaches

Web developers across the world use HTML, JavaScript and CSS to build standards-based websites. But the approach for creating website varies from one developer to another. ASP.NET makes it easier for developers to choose the right approach by supporting three website development approaches. The programmers opting for component-based development can use the controls and event model provided by ASP.NET Web. At the same time, ASP.NET MVC facilitates test-driven development, while allowing developers to keep the design and logic separate. Similarly, the code and HTML markup can be combined seamlessly on a single page through ASP.NET Web Pages. The three distinct approaches can be further combined according to the specific requirements of a project.

Integrated Development Environment

The ASP.NET developers can further use an integrated development environment (IDE) to build dynamic internet applications within a shorter span of time. Both Visual Studio and ASP.NET allow them to use a large number of tools, along with powerful editors for HTML5, CSS3 and JavaScript. The developers can simply use IntelliSense with JavaScript to check the CSS selectors that works seamlessly in the web browser. Similarly, the Browser Link can be used to refresh a dozen connected web browsers in an instant. Along with creating internet applications, the IDE further facilitate efficient source control while publishing the site to a server or the cloud.

ASP.NET Web API

Nowadays, most websites and web applications use lightweight and rich REST based web services. The developers can use ASP.NET Web API to create REST based web services. These web services can further return a variety of content supported on the internet including XML and JSON. The API can also be used effectively to provide data services to mobile apps running on popular mobile operating systems like iOS, Android and Windows Phones. At the same time, the ASP.NET Web API is accessible to all internet applications developed using ASP.NET Web Forms, MVC or Web Pages.

SignalR

The programmers also have option to add real-time features to the ASP.NET application through SignalR. The go-to library further facilitates bi-directional communication between client and server in a real-time environment. SignalR further supports new standards like Web Sockets to make the internet application compatible with older browsers. It also provides support the JavaScript clients, along with clients on a variety of mobile platforms.

Facilitates Rapid Mobile Application Development

The mobile application development frameworks have made it easier for programmers to build mobile applications. A developer familiar with JavaScript, HTML5 and CSS3 can use the tools provided by these frameworks to develop mobile applications. ASP.NET helps programmers in building mobile apps by providing responsive design frameworks. The Visual Studio 2013 comes with innovative frameworks like Twitter Bootstrap. At the same time, the ASP.NET developers also have option to use any open grid system or CSS framework, along with powerful mobile app development systems like PhoneGap, jQuery Mobile or Sencha.

A developer can further use the most recent version of ASP.NET to avail a set of advanced and innovative features. For instance, ASP.NET 4.5 allows streams to be read in an asynchronous way on an HTTP request entity, along with double-buffering an HTTP request entity.

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Application Development- Why is Dot Net preferred?

Web developers love to use the computer programming language called Dot Net or .Net. This Microsoft Corporation developed language originally was called next generation windows service. Repeated developments and improvisations have made it an extremely sophisticated language, compatible with any platform or browser. Not only does it improve and enhance programming models for provision of better web-based infrastructure, but it also delivers software as a service that is web based as well.

This framework is a programming model for .Net platform and is used for building, deploying as well as running XML web applications and services. It provides a high standard-based and productive environment so that existing investments may be integrated with the next-generation services, apps and agility. This in turn helps in solving the challenges of operation as well as that of deployment of the internet-scale applications. There are two primary parts in the framework- common language runtime along with an integrated cluster of class libraries. They include ASP.NET for XML Web services and Web applications, ADO.NET for data access that is loosely-coupled and Windows Forms that are meant for smart client-based applications.

Benefits that make Dot Net more preferable than any other platform

Realizing new opportunities for business- Agile application architecture is provided by XML Web services both externally as well as internally. This simplifies the process of integrating application across internet or intranet. Integration with applications, customers and suppliers can be easily enabled with it. The design of the framework is done from ground up so that XML Web services can be used as native communication mechanism.

Delivering excellent TCO- Some very best TCO or total cost of ownerships are delivered by Windows and on that further build up is done by .NET. It improves security, application reliability, performance as well as deployment so that you can run application on low cost hardware and on high volume.

Reducing time for marketing- Existing applications, IT skills and developer skills may be leveraged with the help of this framework so that the IT infrastructure may be built faster than ever. Existing applications may be easily turned into XML Web services; that too without having to resort to recompiling or rewriting by virtue of deep runtime capabilities.

Reduction of development efforts- Development efforts are reduced in .NET since developers are not required to mix HTML code along with ASP code so that required data may be fetched from database to the web page. In fact, it helps by unraveling the presentation as well as application logic so that the code may be created. The development process is further simplified through its help in the debugging procedure. Applications can be easily deployed as well as installed.

Protecting current investments- Since the development platforms of .NET are Global XML and XML web service architecture, integration standards are maintained. The core of the platforms is CLI and C# which is ECMA standardized, thus enabling the implementation of the framework by other companies as well as protection of your investment in the long run.

Language independent- The language independent factor makes for a very attractive feature here. It attempts to eradicate the discrepancy taking place when you employ different languages simultaneously for carrying out a single task. It is emphatic that you just need a common technique; you can perform the task with support from .NET library as well. You also need to write a lot lesser code.

The benefits as well as ease in application development when using the Dot Net framework make it a clear favorite among the developers. In fact, the applications are also enabled with lots of security features that are intrinsic with the platform itself. So when you use this neutral unique language infrastructure you will also be taking advantage of various system management tools like organizing, testing, development as well as implementation of software along with robust security measurements, making it a win-win situation for you. You can get in touch with a custom .Net development company who can help you develop web apps.

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ASP.NET Development - Role in Creating Dynamic Pages

Each developer, nowadays, has option to choose from several web application development frameworks. So website developers often evaluate different frameworks based their benefits, reliability and support. Most developers opt for ASP.NET to build dynamic and robust websites at a rapid pace. Unlike open source web development frameworks, ASP.NET is developed specifically on the Microsoft platform.

So both experienced and novice programmers have option to access the most updated documentation, along with availing prompt customer support from Microsoft. At the same time, the framework provides a variety of web tools that helps programmers in building dynamic web pages, web services and web applications within a shorter timeframe.

What Makes ASP.NET the Most Reliable Framework for Creating Dynamic Web Pages?

Efficient Code Management

Unlike conventional web development frameworks, ASP.NET is object oriented (OOP). So it allows programmers to manage their code efficiently and keep the code structure clean. Further, the optimized compiled code make the framework effective in creating dynamic web pages faster that other languages including PHP. The clear division of logic and design further make it easier for organizers to build web application in a distributed development environment.

Support for Many Mainstream Coding Languages

The ASP.NET developers also have option to choose from more than 25 mainstream coding languages including C#, VB.NET, JScript and C++. So each programmer can write code using a programming language he is familiar with. At the same time, he can further optimize the website by accessing innovative features of other .NET supported languages.

Option to Access .NET Framework Class Libraries

Unlike other open source web application development frameworks, ASP.NET allows programmers to directly access a large collection of .NET framework class libraries. The class libraries enable developers add a variety of functionality to the application without writing complex code. A programmer can use specific class libraries to facilitate data access, file upload, image generation, XML and SMTP. At the same time, he can use the ASP.NET web forms to create rich UIs by including sever controls and business objects. ASP.NET also provides Mobile Internet Toolkit to make the web pages compatible with the mobile devices.

Improves Website Speed

Often developers have to explore ways to make the website work faster. The caching and compiled codes features of ASP.NET help programmers in making websites faster without writing any additional code. Before any user visits the web pages in real time, the code is compiled into a machine language. At the same time, the caching code stores the information required to enable users to access the website quickly in future. The data caching feature of ASP.NET also contributes towards making the web page faster by caching data from a specific database.

Efficient Handling of Memory Leaks and Crash

Each website must be effective in keeping the visitors engaged. The website also need to be readily available to visitors 24 hours a days, while allowing them to navigate without any hassle. At the same time, the user experience must not be affected negatively by sending any error message to visitors. ASP.NET provides a mechanism that helps website to recover from memory leaks and similar errors. The mechanism also improves user experience by not sending any error message.

Facilitates Creation of Data Driven Websites

The dynamic web pages are often data driven in nature. The data-driven and dynamic web pages are rendered to visitors by deriving data from a database or any other sources. For instance, catalogue pages are generated by deriving data from various sources. ASP.NET makes it easier for developers to generate dynamic web pages by deriving the control classes for each category of data to be displayed on the page. Some control classes like forma and lists further optimize the performance of the data-driven pages by their code behind feature.

While creating dynamic pages using ASP.NET, the programmers also have option to avail the rich set of tools provided by Visual Studio .NET IDE. The interactive and efficient web design, database and debugging tools provided by the IDE further enable programmers to test, debug and modify the web pages during execution. You can hire developers from .Net web development companies who can help you build web apps within allocated budgets and time schedules.

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ASP.Net- The Forthcoming Technological Revolution

With the onset of new web technologies, regional as well as international industries have appreciated the significance of having a useful internet presence, that allows you to reach out to your target audience with just a mouse click. Advancement of a comprehensive online presence has aided business establishments to progressively contribute to contemporary economical upheaval. Finally the reign of the virtual image has arrived with the technological world becoming sounder.

With more and more enterprises having a virtual image, it has become a necessity for developers to come up with innovative ideas to create unique web applications or websites for their clients. Some developers explore new technology for enhanced user experience whereas for making effective websites, others rely on the app development frameworks. Compared to the traditional approach, ASP.Net is widely popular among programmers worldwide owing to its powerful yet user friendly functionality and features. The key features of ASP.Net meet the various latest trends and requirements of the web development platform.

How ASP.Net Contributes to The Current Web Development Trends

Supports HTML5 WebSockets: The user experience of a program mostly depends on the smooth communication between the client and the web server. Programmers sometimes need to explore options to generate two-way or duplex communication between the client browser and the web server. HTML5 WebSocket is extensively used as a protocol for performing such duplex communication. The upgraded versions of IIS and ASP.Net are used to provide support to the WebSocket protocol. Before using the features, this protocol should be enabled in IIS 8.0, so that the developer can initiate the client-server communication.

.Net Development Solutions Facilitate Online Growth: For an unparalleled web presence, many global businesses have invested to outsourceing ASP.Net web development. The track-record of their online performance has testified to the fact that .Net platform is truly appropriate for various web development ventures. The platform performs with simple coding system ensuring easy maintenance of online applications. The advanced framework of the .Net environment is the primary reason that generates a successful online presence while making different comprehensive web application development processes less extensive or less intricate. Such simple programming algorithms allow programmers to differentiate between code formatting and web-page graphics. This enables developers to offer qualitative .Net web-pages.

Major Benefits of Using .Net Development Environment: ASP.Net platform offers several hi-tech attributes, including easy features to change the display of the application efficiently as well as quickly. Implementation of modern code scripts is facilitated by efficient controls. Proficient event phenomenon renders enhanced productivity. An internet business portal's core functionality involves maintenance of online users' regular traffic influx. Adding user-friendly features to the website helps business enterprises augment their growth and put ahead the competitive curve in the global market sector.

Some of its other enticing features are as follows:

• Simple method of code modification makes the re-coding procedure less intricate ensuring multi-utility portals development.

• Easy coding with any language supporting .Net characteristics to offer fantastic websites.

• Numerous web-utility characteristics such as integrated calendar, calculator and data recovery features can be added to the site.

• Enhances the look and feel of the website making it more user-friendly.

• Add-ons like chatting messengers, various easy-to-use internet apps and email launching apps are incorporated in the online portal.

So, if you have been finding out the ways to aid web technologies to facilitate your online business growth, outsourcing .Net development is the best option for you. This technology will enable you to expand the horizon of your existing business scenario with functional as well as innovative development solution. Microsoft introduces this platform to render apps that can allow businesses to crack prospective business deals and get a higher notch of trade transactions.

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