Visual Studio 2005, SQL Server 2005, and ASP.NET 2.0 Launched!
By Scott Mitchell
Introduction
On November 7th, 2005, .NET 2.0 (including ASP.NET 2.0), Visual Studio 2005, and SQL Server 2005 were released to the world,
escaping the Beta cocoon they have resided in over the past year and change. Microsoft is rolling out their new platform
and software through a Launch Event in several cities around the
world. The bits have been downloadable for MSDN Subsribers for
over a week now, but are now officially being rolled out and sold to customers.
Product Line Overview
For those interested in learning more about the new platform and tools without having to drop the money for Visual Studio 2005,
SQL Server 2005, and so on, Microsoft is releasing an "Express" product
line that has simplified versions of Visual Studio and SQL Server targetted at C#, Visual Basic, or Web Developers.
These "Express" versions are free for a year with registration and, while lacking the enterprise-level tools, they do have
the basic essentials: IntelliSense and Debugging support.
A complete run-down of the features supported by the various Visual Studio versions can be found at the
Visual Studio 2005 Product Line Overview.
The Express versions of Visual Studio 2005 lack enterprise level features such as:
No source control support,
Only allow for local debugging (i.e., cannot use VS2005 Express to remotely debug an application), and
No code profiling, static analysis, unit testing, etc.
However, as aforementioned the "big two" features are indeed present in the Express SKU: IntelliSense and Debugging (albeit just
local debugging support).
Side-by-Side Installation
2.0 was designed to work side-by-side with the 1.0 and 1.1 versions of the .NET Framework. For example, on my computer I
have both Visual Studio .NET 2003 and Visual Studio 2005 installed, both SQL Server 2000, SQL Server 2005 Express, and
SQL Server 2005 Standard installed, and both versions 1.1 and 2.0 of .NET running. For more information refer to
Microsoft .NET Framework 1.1 and 2.0 (Beta) Compatibility.
Conclusion and For More Information...
With the official release of 2.0, expect to see virtually all new articles here on 4Guys to focus on ASP.NET 2.0's new features.
ASP.NET 2.0 introduces a plethora of new subsystems and enhancements that make doing 90% of everyday web development tasks
a walk in the park. I'm looking forward to sharing and exploring these new features through both articles here on 4Guys
as well as my blog.
If you are new to ASP.NET 2.0 here are some resources to help you get started:
