Introducing the ASP.NET Web Matrix - Application Workspace
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The Web Matrix is produced to a very high visual standard; it looks great and is laid out in an intuitive and easy to use format. The application workspace is set up to be as efficient as possible, and give developers the tools they need at their fingertips.
The toolbox is split into different categories of tools that relate to specific tasks. The main document window contains tabs that show up to allow four different views, depending on the type of document you are editing. An ASP.NET page, for example, can be viewed in design mode, where elements are laid out and edited visually; an HTML view that lets you edit the HTML code directly; a code view that handles just the script code; and finally an "all view" that puts the HTML and code views together on the page. A CSS page, naturally, will show only the code view.
Documents in all of these views (except the design view) show syntax highlighting. Unlike Visual Studio however, there is no code completion engine. (Please note: the program neither intends nor claims to be Visual Studio. This is just what I am comparing it against due to the similarities and power inherent in both). Surprisingly enough there is no line numbering facility, although if enough developers request this, it is sure to appear in later releases.
The workspace panel gives you Explorer style access to your local files, enabling you to quickly browse to and open files involved in your projects.
The data view shows database connections you have set up or allows you to connect to new databases through the completion of a simple wizard-style interface.
The window pane simply lists all open windows, but it is a quick and easy way to navigate between open documents.
The properties panel, again, is very similar in working to the properties panel of Visual Studio. It lets you view and edit the properties of any selected element from labels to the document itself. The ability to select multiple elements on the design page at once allows you to easily roll out settings to groups of related elements.
The class viewer lists every available class, and can be organized and sorted in a variety of ways. Double-clicking a class will bring up an information window detailing the properties, methods and events, among other things associated with the class.
The community tab provides links to a vast array of online documentation regarding ASP.NET in the form of websites, forums and newsgroups. Windows Messenger has also been integrated into the application and can show a list of all your contacts in the ASP.NET contacts group.
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