February 3rd, 2020
What is ASP
Active Server Pages (ASP) (a/k/a Classic ASP) is a server-side technology that allows code to be executed by an internet server. When a browser typically requests an ASP file, the ASP engine on the server reads the file. It executes the code within the file to return the results of said execution to the visitor's browser. When you are developing an ASP website, ASP uses Visual Basic script for its code.
What is ASP.NET
ASP.NET is Microsoft's update to ASP. Again, it is a server-side technology that allows code to be executed by the internet server and, when executed, returns the results of said execution to the visitor’s browser. The difference is this more advanced technology will allow the developer to use C#, VisualBasic.NET, C++, and Java. Also, a considerable difference between ASP and ASP.NET is that ASP.NET gives you access to all the tools which come with the .NET framework and allows you to write object-oriented code. Simply put, it simplifies the building of websites and web applications by giving developers libraries of code and tools, all in one package.
Changes to ASP.NET version 5 have it supporting both Linux and OS X (Apple) operating systems, in addition to Windows. This is a huge change in the ASP.NET audience. However, you should also bear in mind that not all hosting providers support this as they would prefer to leave ASP.NET on the servers it was initially designed for, which is Windows.
Which should I Use?
First, it should be noted that the end of life (EOL) for classic ASP is 2025. This is because there are still numerous websites that use it. Why? Well, during its day, it was cutting edge technology. Multiple sites have not switched over to using ASP.NET. However, time is ticking away. Windows 10 does not have classic ASP installed by default and uses ASP.NET. Even the newer versions of IIS for Microsoft’s Windows Server software do not have classic ASP installed by default. So if you are still trying to hold on using ASP, now would be a great time to switch over to ASP.NET before EOL occurs, and you are stuck.
Conclusion
Classic ASP was a cutting edge technology back in the late 1990’s. However, ASP.NET is the newest cutting edge technology by Microsoft. EOL for classic ASP is coming up soon (2025), so if you are still trying to develop using classic ASP, now would be a great time to start switching over to ASP.NET. Your trusted hosting provider’s hosting options are already using the latest supported versions of ASP.NET with their offerings.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding this blog, feel free to contact us.