Question

I need to make my first .aspx webpage. The only server side script I need to use is an include for the header and footer. I have done this many times in php but I client does not want to use php.

How do I set up a test environment for asp.net on my localhost like I would do with WAMP to develop a php page?

Answer 1

In ASP.Net, you can accomplish an include that appears on every page by creating a Master Page. Then, you basically inherit from that page everywhere that you want its contents to appear.

So, for example, with one Master Page, you can accomplish the same thing as you could do with two includes — the Master Page could have both a header and a footer.

However, you can take Master Pages much further if you wish. For example, the universal navigation is often included on a Master Page — the horizontal menu at the top and/or a vertical nav on the left. Basically anything you want to show on many pages.

Also, you can include common server-side code in the Master Page code-behind, such as authentication.

Now that you know that what you are looking for is called a “master page”, you should have to problem looking around here in SO for help. Here is one Microsoft source that might be a good starting place.