ASP.NET 3.5 brings the power of Visual Studio® 2008 along with the multitude of language improvements in C# 2008 and Visual Basic® 2008 as well as powerful new technology called LINQ, together with the ASP.NET 2.0 Framework you already know and love. Packed with valuable coverage of ASP.NET 3.5 SP1, this essential resource offers both C# and VB examples throughout the book, and shares new and updated content on the ADO.NET Entity Framework, ADO.NET Dynamic Data, and ADO.NET Data Services.

While ASP.NET 3.5 boasts server controls like the ListView and the incredibly flexible GridView, it also includes advancements in AJAX technology combined with JavaScript® debugging features in Visual Studio 2008. With this book, a stellar author team covers the new controls in the AJAX toolbox, the back button history, and script combining, and they also examine the new capabilities of WCF including changes to DataContractSerializer. In addition, the accompanying CD-ROM features the entire book in PDF format.

What you will learn from this book

• The concepts underlying the server control and its pivotal role in ASP.NET development

• How to create templated ASP.NET pages using the master page feature

• How to work with data from enterprise databases including SQL Server®

• Ways to debug, package, and deploy ASP.NET applications, monitor their health and performance, and handle errors

• How to retrieve, update, and delete data quickly and logically using LINQ with side-by-side examples comparing LINQ to existing techniques

• Ways to localize your web site in multiple languages for a world-wide audience

• Methods for adding AJAX capabilities to your ASP.NET applications

• The many benefits of the new data access additions

• Ways to use and extend the Provider Model for accessing data stores, processes, and more

• What freeware tools you need in Scott Hanselman's ASP.NET Ultimate Developer Tools appendix

Who this book is for

This book is for programmers and developers who are looking to make the transition to ASP.NET 3.5 SP1 with Visual Studio 2008 and either C# 3.0 (2008) or Visual Basic 9 (2008).

CD-ROM includes the full book in PDF format and a selection of 7 Wrox Blox mini e-books including:

1. Internet Explorer 8 and Its Impact on Your ASP.NET Web Sites

2. Jumping from ASP.NET to Silverlight 2

3. Leverage LINQ in ASP.NET 3.5 Projects