Web Forms-the Page and Control Framework at the heart of ASP.NET-makes it easier to develop dynamic Web applications. But you can go beyond the controls that ship with ASP.NET-and power up your Web sites and applications-by creating your own server controls. You can also develop and distribute your own controls for commercial use. This comprehensive guide, direct from key insiders who really know the technology, combines conceptual and architectural details with practical, how-to information and real-world code samples to show exactly how to create custom, reusable, professional-quality server controls with rich design-time functionality. It also provides essential information about configuration and the HTTP runtime, packaging, deployment, debugging, and developing controls that incorporate XML Web services, plus other vital topics. And it introduces the ASP.NET Web Matrix tool for creating Web applications and for using server controls. Topics covered include:
OVERVIEW

• ASP.NET page programming
• Component programming

SERVER CONTROLS

• User controls
• Implementing properties
• View state management
• Rendering
• Control life cycle
• Events and Postback
• Styles
• Composite, validator, and data-bound controls
• Client-side behavior
• Design-time functionality
• Localization, licensing, and deployment

SERVER COMPONENTS

• XML Web services
• HTTP handlers

SERVER CONTROL CASE STUDIES

• Templated data-bound controls
• DHTML-based server controls

[This book] is a must-have for all serious ASP.NET component developers.
-Scott Guthrie, Product Unit Manager, Microsoft ASP.NET Product Team