The significant weaknesses of ASP.Net

ASP .Net is a flagship product from Microsoft to serve the web industry in an efficient manner. We can’t deny the importance of websites in our day-to-day life. Moreover devices like smart phones and tablets have increased the demand of web apps in the industry in a magical way. Understanding the situation, Microsoft has come up with its flagship web domain specific framework i.e., ASP .Net to withdraw the monopoly of the JSP from the industry. Fortunately it has gained tremendous popularity in the industry as expected; but nothing is perfect in this world and so the case for Microsoft’s ASP .Net. It has some shortcomings as well. Let us see what are the major shortcomings of ASP .Net?

What to consider while developing mobile friendly website in ASP.Net

Future relies on mobile apps: This is undeniable that the recent market is under the capture of smart devices like smart phones and tablets. The smart industry is growing at an unexpected rate and the same will grow further in coming future. Understanding the situation, industry is emphasizing on application development that can be fitted in different devices and platforms. The most important application is website for all platforms and browsers. Moreover, these smart devices are capable of web browsing and hence they are widely used for web browsing due to their portability nature. Mobile internet through mobile networks like GPRS, 2G and 3G are making the situation even smoother and better. Hence experts are expecting a bright future ahead for smart phones and mobile apps.

The reason behind learning ASP.Net

ASP .Net is from Microsoft’s family: Understanding the market potential of web industry, Microsoft had launched its ambitious web development framework i.e. ASP .Net. Previously Classic ASP was being used by web developers in developing enterprise standard web solutions. But with ASP .Net, the development quality has increased to a large extent. Moreover, now the users can use VBScript along with C# and .Net on ASP .Net platform for quick web application development. Again Microsoft is putting continuous effort to make it ready for the industry so that it can sustain in the industry with prestige. This makes it unique in the industry.

How to become an expert ASP.Net programmer

To be an expert in any domain or language there is no perfect guideline. In fact the word “expert” itself very confusing. Someone may be expert in certain area of a technology but he may lack significantly in another area of the same language. Still if someone has more than 60% knowledge in any technology he can be considered as an expert in the technology. There is no shortcut way to be an expert in any domain and as a good software developer you must have to accept it from the very beginning. Moreover in the ever changing demands and requirements of any software farm from a software developer, it becomes even worst to concentrate on a single domain. Anyway, today we will discuss about few factors that may lead you to be so called an expert in asp .net technology.

Why do companies outsource their .Net development work to India?

Business outsourcing has increasingly emerged as one of the growing and the most well-known of the numerous business sectors in India. Outsourcing as a growing industry has chiefly been observed in the IT sector of the country.

There a number of companies in India that have mature teams with proven expertise in .Net programming and are supported by a strong structure along with a highly professional approach to Software project management that basically guarantee an on-time as well as a within the budget delivery of the software projects. Indian companies provide some of the highly reliable ASP.NET development services that are also priced most competitively on this planet.

Why to Update Applications to .Net Development Platform?

Along with making it open source and cross-platform, Microsoft further made .Net platform available to Linux and Mac programmers. The open source version of the platform includes .Net Core Runtime, Framework and Libraries, along with ASP.Net and .Net compilers. Both Windows and non-Windows developers can now use the platform to build and manage software applications across multiple devices and operating systems. There are also a number of reasons why enterprise must consider updating their applications to .Net 2015 development platform.

Certified ASP.Net developers is what businesses look for. Why?

Every business in recent trend is being influenced by the IT industry knowingly or unknowingly. Internet connectivity has seen a magical change during past few years. It is now not limited to just a specific size of region on the globe rather it is now covered almost all geographic area of the globe. Well this is possible due to the GPRS and 2G or 3G mobile networks available around the globe. Due to wireless internet connectivity the cost of infrastructure has been limited to a great extent. Moreover, user needn’t to spend much for the desktop machine rather these are replaced by modern era smart phones and tablets. Users love the way they browse internet from their hand held computer devices at any time at anywhere using the internet connectivity through mobile networks. On the other hand, enterprise is getting the benefit from this situation because it helps them to reach at their target audience without much effort with accuracy. So every business now relies on web applications to expand their business.

Difference between ASP and ASP.Net

In order to draw the line of difference between ASP and ASP.Net, let us at first define the two separately. Ideally speaking, that is the best way to start discussing the difference between the two.

ASP.Net can be defined as an open source web application framework, meant for the server-side functioning that is specifically designed for development or designing of web pages that are dynamic in nature. It is also used for the development of various kinds of web applications as well as web based services.

How to use the new CORS support in Web API 2

Many exciting new features have been enabled in ASP.NET Web API 2. This framework enables easy building of HTTP services which will reach many clients across a broad spectrum including mobile devices as well as browsers. The addition of several features has idealized this platform.

Some of the most remarkable features are attribute routing(on top of convention-based routing), Open Web Interface for .NET or OWIN self hosting, Web API Odata, IhttpActionResult and the most significant is the Cross Origin Resource Sharing which has taken the cyber world by storm.

CORS is the short form of Cross-Origin Resource Sharing; this standard allows web pages the ability of making Ajax requests to other domains. Same-origin policy which has been implemented on browsers is relaxed; previously this policy limited calls to be just within same domain with cross-domain calls not being allowed. CORS defines the interaction of the browser along with server so that cross origin calls can be made. API supports this in its 2nd version and it is compliant with standards of W3C.

CORS is already supported by majority of modern browsers. But if we want to enable support for API services, first of all we will be needing a few assemblies to ensure that this is done smoothly. We will need System.Web.Cors.dll which is not dependent on System.Web.Http.dll or System.Web.dll and contains core CORS library; System.Web.Http.Cors.dll which contains CORS enabling library on Web API which is dependent on System.Web.Http.dll as well as System.Web.Cors.dll.

When upgrading and installing the package from nightly builds, the first thing that you have to do is create new API project by starting with new template.

Since you do not need Microsoft.AspNet.Mvc.FixedDisplayModes package, the second step is to uninstall it. In fact uninstalling this is necessary as you will be prevented from updating to recent nightly build.

The 3rd step is installing Microsoft.AspNet.WebApi.Cors package from nightly builds. Set the package source and it will enable you to see CORS package.

After that, the 4th step is to fix binding redirects that are there in web.config, otherwise there will be errors. which is existing must be replaced which will enable the smooth running of the applications.

After that you can try it out by browsing test clients available on some sites and making a fast cross-origin request. You will find Test APIs and all you have to do is click there and paste the URL on your API. Click “Send” and it will show request failed since CORS is not enabled on API by default. Now you have to enable CORS by calling config.EnableCors (new EnableCorsAttribute()). Now you have enabled CORS for all controllers and all origins will be allowed.

While we enable this a few scenarios should be considered. While enabling this, HttpConfiguration has a new method of extension added to it which will enable global support per action or per controller.

When calling EnableCors, global settings can be defined. For example we can enable the sharing globally which will allow all headers, origins and methods. EnableCorsAttribute has many settings which are easy to configure. The controller can be scoped with the support as well. You just have to call EnableCors without the provision of a global setting. Then the EnableCorsAttribute can be declared so that the controller is enabled with the support. It can also be enabled on single action in a similar manner.

An action or controller can be excluded from EnableCors as well simply by using DisableCors attribute. Custom IcorsPolicyProvider can be implemented as well so that policies or settings related to the support from other sources can be loaded dynamically.

One thing to remember when testing this with IE is that the port is not considered by IE as part of Security Identifer or the origin which is used for enforcement of Same Origin Policy. So test clients and Web API on different local hosts will hinder cross-origin requests.

You can hire asp.net developers from top .net application development companies in India who can help you build ASP.NET applications within allocated budgets and time schedules.

We provide .net application development services. If you would like to discuss with an expert .net web developer from our team, please get in touch with us at Mindfire Solutions.

10 ASP.NET Performance and Scalability Secrets

There are numerous ways in which the performance and scalability of ASP.NET 2.0 can be boosted. These techniques are often regarded as secrets in ASP.NET 2.0. For instance, the bottlenecks in the Membership and Profile provider can be solved to ensure faster authorization as well as authentication. Similarly, the Page fragment caching on the browser allows in saving the amount of time required in downloading on repeated visits. Similar other tactics can be implemented to increase the performance of this web application framework.

Here is an overview of some of these secrets:

1. ASP.NET Pipeline Optimization

Quite a few number of the application framework’s default HttpModules are placed on the request pipeline, intercepting every request. Now, all the modules such as the SessionStateModule and the HttpContext are not always necessary. For instance, one does not need to use the WindowsAuthentication if the same is not being used for the users. Pipeline optimization helps in scalability to a significant extent.

2. ASP.NET Process Configuration Optimization

The application’s Process Model configuration defines process level properties such as the numbers of threads used by the application or the way it blocks a thread etc. The limited number of defaults in several cases and the easy availability of hardware and dual core with gigabyte RAM servers becoming a popular choice make it necessary to tweaked the process model configuration to make the application consume more resources and hence, lead to better scalability.

3. Factors to Consider before Going Alive

A little tweaking on the web.config in the event of using the applications’ Membership Provider is necessary prior to going live on the production server. Adding applicationname attribute in Profile Provider is necessary. The profile provider automatically saves the profile with the completion of the page requests. Finally, the role manager queries the database with the intention of getting the user roles.

4. Content Delivery Network

The requests from the browsers reach the server by means of the Internet backbones spanning the world. The longer the distance that has to be covered, the slower is the pace. On the other hand, setting up a server in the respective locations and then redirecting the users to this particular server paves the way for lower network latency and faster data transfer rate. Performance automatically improves as a result.

5. Caching AJAX Calls on Browser

Caching the state of the user to enable the user visit on the following day implies promising them with a cached page, which loads immediately from the browser cache and not the server. This allows faster loading for the second time and as the user repeats his action, a cached result comes up from the local cache and reduces the time for network roundup. A fast loading, responsive site is created with the speed increased to a great extent as well.

6. Deriving the Best Out of the Browser Cache

This can be done in the following ways:

• Making consistent use of the URLs
• Caching the static content for an extended period
• Making use of a cache friendly folder structure
• Reusing the common graphic files
• Changing the file names at the time of expiring the cache

7. On Demand UI Loading for Better Experience

The help section can be loaded by striking at help.aspx and injecting its response inside the HelpDiv. With this method, the UI can be broken into the smaller .aspx files, which contains good amounts of HTML that has to be shown on the UI on-demand. Consequently, the download can be kept to the minimum for loading the basic stuff.

8. Optimizing the Application’s Profile Provider

It is a secret to many that there are two significant stored procedures in ASP.NET 2.0 Profile Provider that can be optimized properly. Using them without optimization actually makes the server sink and let your business go down with heavy load.

9. Enquiring the Membership Tables without Affecting the Site

Queries directed to the Membership Tables have always led to the taking away of all the power of the CPU as well as the HDD, due to which the site becomes slow and also non- responsive at times. Learning the way of questioning without the obvious negative consequence ensures boosting the performance of ASP.NET to a great extent.

10. Prevention of Denial of Service Attack

Prevention of the Denial of Service or DOS attack is necessary to save the web services from becoming the target for hackers. IsValid, which comes up as a static method, does the checking. There are also few websites that take precautions beforehand for the application level DOS attacks.

These are some of the tricks cum strategies to enable ASP.NET deliver faster and better performance. The best part is that with these methods, the hardware configuration remains the same.

While choosing between .net developer India teams, it would be helpful if you gauge their experience and expertise in terms of the 10 points suggested above. Right teams can help you build projects within allocated budgets and time schedules. 

We provide asp.net application development services. If you would like to know more about the expertise of our certified .net developers, please contact us at Mindfire Solutions.

DotNet Development and the Reasons Why It Is Preferred by Many

DotNet framework is developed by Microsoft known for its services like memory management, security and exceptional handling. It is a revolutionary expertise which has been in line with the creation of dynamic applications which are mostly interactive and user-friendly. It is mostly preferred platform for creating robust applications targeting desktop, laptop, Smartphones and all kinds of tablet users.

Since its launch it has been used by developers across the globe catering various software needs of diverse domains and industries. It has given high end web application services and has gained fame by being the most wanted technologies in the world. DotNet is a combination of a number of technologies, tools as well as international coding standards. The evolution of web development is likely attributed to DotNet development which has generated marvelous interest in creating cloud-based solutions too.

There is strong competition in the field of technologies and furthermore the need to generate more enterprise online with expertise and know-how. To achieve this, optimal use of DotNet development services is of great importance. This newest web expertise has encapsulated huge allowance of information and critical facts and figures which include details about customers, operations, services and the like. It can interact well between newer and older applications. With its advanced design features and tools, it manages security requirements and is highly portable which means it can run on multiple platforms.

Reasons for DotNet development rules the web development world and is the most favorite among programmers:

1. Support for Several Programming Languages

DotNet has multi-lingual capabilities which help developers of diverse origins and allows the developer for language programming comfortably. So one can easily pick his favorite DotNet framework-supported-programming-language and make robust web applications that will run in a virtual environment.

2. Higher security levels

It is rather one of the best in security features because of its defense-in-depth security scheme. The security grade of the applications can be ascertained by the developers as needed for database security, particularly if the apps is accessed remotely. The main security model of the DotNet framework comprises of a few core components such as, the code access security, role based security, cryptography and the application domains.

• Code access security: If any resource is to be accessed, but the code does not provide the permission, the access to that particular resource would be denied. It focuses on the policy and permissions as evidence aspects defined by the evidence-based security. The Code access security aspect of the DotNet framework has recently been modified and updated, so that it could be used and understood in a simpler manner.

• Cryptography: Within the DotNet framework the cryptography consists of the digital signatures, random number generation, hashing and more, where the elements are easily accessible to the developers. This aids in providing a high amount of flexibility when the security components are combined together at various levels of security present.

• Role Based Security: This aims to connect the security aspect the groups and the users within the application. This is generally done through the authorization and authentication, where then the security access level (permission) of the user is known by determining their role.

• Application domains: The DotNet framework ensures to keep the portions of an application separate from one another, with the help of the application domains which proves to be very helpful in the entire process. Due to the verified managed code of the framework it, the CLR is capable of high isolation within the process itself, where each process can comprise of a different security level.

3. Large Number of Ready to Use Classes

The DotNet Framework class library is divided into two parts: the Base Class Library and the Framework Class Library, which is huge includes an expanded set of libraries, including Windows Forms, ADODotNet, ASPDotNet, Language Integrated Query, Windows Presentation Foundation, Windows Communication Foundation etc. Many developers also love the DotNet framework to due to its large set of ready to use classes. The system classes can be used by any app that is developed on the platform. Further, Microsoft has developed the DotNet framework based on object oriented architecture. So each tag or code written by you will be treated as an object.

4. Supports data retrieval and recovery

DotNet possesses magnificent crash protection capability which helps in data recovery after a sudden crash effortlessly. It can detect any memory leak and can retrieve it back. These security measures make DotNet extremely reliable and secured to use.

5. Innovative Web Services

DotNet enables multiple functionalities in the websites making it marked as the most scalable and reliable platform, which fulfills all modern apps development requirements. It makes use of HTML, C#, and Javascript to create sophisticated as well dynamic websites. It has interoperability features and most demanding platform for web development.

6. Rapid development and wide coding standards

DotNet supports rapid application development and exhibits classic applications with the help of its powerful tools which are available in the IT market. This helps the developers avoid fresh new code and make use of existing code snippets and Windows application services. DotNet also supports various applications which are of immense advantage for the programmers.

Along with various other reasons, DotNet also manages to provide an excess of enhancements, modifications and customizations. Its features on various attributes which are akin to top quality and reliable solutions. It is profitable to hire offshore software providers who boast of amazing skill set and cost-effective services. This practice has worked wonders for many companies and continues to be beneficial for companies who opt for virtual developers adept in .net application development.

We provide .net web development services. If you would like to discuss with an expert asp.net developer from our team, please get in touch with us at Mindfire Solutions.

What is ASP.NET? -Top 9 Advantages of ASP.NET

When choosing a programming framework to build our own website, the most important things which you should keep in mind are the benefits the framework brings in terms of security and scalability, the support it offers and the reliability it offers in terms of its community of developers. And ASP.NET framework incorporates of these and has a keen eye for precise performance. It is known as Active server pages which is the advanced version of ASP. This framework is responsible for web application development supporting inheritance, polymorphism and other standard OOP features. With the help of this open-source framework, developers build robust applications using DLL class libraries and other latest features of the web server.

Hence it does not come as a surprise that ASP.NET powers thousands of applications which are used world-wide. Be it a small business website or be it a mammoth backbone application for any large enterprise being used across geographies and accessed over distributed device network, ASP.NET powers them all. Since it provides all the features you could possibly require, you could build dynamic web applications which are easy to envision, create and maintain.

Let us look at the top 9 advantages which make ASP.NET the most sought after technology amongst programmers and why customers want .NET application development done.

Greater Speed: ASP.Net can build websites quicker by making use of richer controls which can create calendars, wizards, grids on the fly.

Higher Scalability: ASP.Net has some great scalability features built into it, including maintaining session state across servers and multi-processor load balancing, thus building interactive and scalable products.

Code Less: It is complemented by a rich toolbox and designer in the Visual Studio integrated development environment. It has some easy ways of deploying applications like WYSIWYG editing, drag-and-drop server controls. This powerful tool provides automatic deployment by making use of its advanced features. ASP.NET uses the multi-language abilities of the .NET Common Language Runtime, allowing Web pages to be coded in VB.NET, C#, J#, Delphi.NET, Chrome, etc.

Efficiency of web server: The web server continuously monitors the pages, components and applications running on it. If it notices any memory leaks, infinite loops, other illegal activities, it immediately destroys those activities and restarts itself.

User Authentication: ASP.Net supports forms-based user authentication, including cookie management and automatic redirection of unauthorized logins. ASP.Net allows for user accounts and roles thus providing a high degree of granularity for controlling access to objects and pages.

Object and Page Caching – ASP.Net objects and pages can be cached to dramatically increase performance. The caching system is very advanced, allowing you to specify what needs to be cached and what doesn’t and when to recall the cached information rather than perform a new request. Thus making it easier for the programmers.

Open Source: Its vision is to create a best practice architectural framework, leveraging the ASP.NET MVC framework with NHibernate and whole other Open Source libraries. All processes are carefully controlled and managed by ASP.NET, so that if the process is dead, the new process can be created in its place, which helps to keep your application constantly available to handle requests.

Enhanced Reliability: ASP.NET automatically detects and recovers from errors such as dead locks and memory leaks to ensure that your application is always available. For example, when a memory leak is detected, ASP.NET automatically starts up a new copy of the ASP.NET worker process and directs all new requests to the new process. Memory Leak, Dead Lock and Crash Protection are all controlled by this platform.

Security: The data-validation and authentication is well executed under ASP .NET framework. Using .NET inheritance, base classes can be developed which can serve the authentication purpose before displaying the information to a user. One can customize the page information regarding what the current user is entitled to view. If any page’s displayable data is not secure, that information can be secured by content encoding in ASP .NET framework. ASP .NET does a better performance by early binding and compilation, native optimization and catching facility which decrease security risks.

All smartphone apps and modern web apps are built in ASP.Net as it has many interesting application features, functionalities which are easier to use. It has gained a steady market due to its mass acceptance among corporate houses for providing reliable, customized solutions with custom web application development. Upgrading to ASP .NET will help us build richer and interactive applications. Therefore in the coming years it will give us more secure and versatile online applications dominating the web in a smarter way and helping our business to grow.

We provide .Net development services. If you would like to know what makes us expert dot net developers, please contact us at Mindfire Solutions.