Microsoft Web Dev Tools
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Not to sound like I'm a newb (I'm definitely not), but I've been in the process of re-reviewing web dev tools for an upcoming project. In the process I've found a really confusing cross-section of Microsoft solutions. I know that there are definitely differences between them, but some are more clear than others and I certainly couldn't find anything from Microsoft that provides clear direction (no surprise there) on which tools are best for what types of development. - Visual Studio (ie. ASP.NET) - the "real" MS developers answer to web dev - Sharepoint Web/Designer - web front-ends to Sharepoint, but also capable of doing much more? - Expression Studio - Blend, Web, Encoder, Design - obviously some of these tools are based more on the graphic design than functionality, but there is a lot of cross-over here as well - WebMatrix - the beginner's tool for quick, basic web design? - Lightswitch - Microsoft's web application tool that, in my opinion, is basically targeted at people that used to build Access-based solutions - Orchard - Microsoft's "late-to-the-game" answer to DNN? Obviously one can expect some overlap between solutions when one is targeted at pros (such as VS) and others are targeted at beginners (ie. WebMatrix or Lightswitch). However, there is no less than 6 tools listed above and some of these break down further into individual tools. Does anyone know of anything (from Microsoft or independant) that clearly defines the roles of each of the above? What comments do the knowledgable and experienced users of CP have to contribute on the above list? Cheers, Chris
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Not to sound like I'm a newb (I'm definitely not), but I've been in the process of re-reviewing web dev tools for an upcoming project. In the process I've found a really confusing cross-section of Microsoft solutions. I know that there are definitely differences between them, but some are more clear than others and I certainly couldn't find anything from Microsoft that provides clear direction (no surprise there) on which tools are best for what types of development. - Visual Studio (ie. ASP.NET) - the "real" MS developers answer to web dev - Sharepoint Web/Designer - web front-ends to Sharepoint, but also capable of doing much more? - Expression Studio - Blend, Web, Encoder, Design - obviously some of these tools are based more on the graphic design than functionality, but there is a lot of cross-over here as well - WebMatrix - the beginner's tool for quick, basic web design? - Lightswitch - Microsoft's web application tool that, in my opinion, is basically targeted at people that used to build Access-based solutions - Orchard - Microsoft's "late-to-the-game" answer to DNN? Obviously one can expect some overlap between solutions when one is targeted at pros (such as VS) and others are targeted at beginners (ie. WebMatrix or Lightswitch). However, there is no less than 6 tools listed above and some of these break down further into individual tools. Does anyone know of anything (from Microsoft or independant) that clearly defines the roles of each of the above? What comments do the knowledgable and experienced users of CP have to contribute on the above list? Cheers, Chris
Visual Studio - The tool for professional developers SharePoint Designer (SPD) - Used for SharePoint customizations. Although it has the legacy of FrontPage it is only really useful for SharePoint customizations and non-development work at that. Expression Web/Blend/Studio - Very handy for web styling and almost a requirement for Silverlight design work. Webmatrix - A starter tool for non-devs to not hurt themselves but pass the pain on to real developers. Lightswitch - Allow the office admin to create applications and convince management they should be in IT and/or they don't need real developers.
I know the language. I've read a book. - _Madmatt