ASP.

NET (Self Assessment: Section Total: Section Avg: )

E1. Describe the difference between inline code and code behind in ASP.NET pages? In .NET
2.0?
Inline code is C# or VB directly on the aspx page while code behind uses a separate file (.cs or
.vb respectively).
E2. What is the ViewState?
A hidden form field that stores information about the controls to allow them to maintain their
state between postbacks.
E3. What is the difference between using Server.Transfer and Response.Redirect? What
are the side-effects?
Server.Transfer transfers the page processing to another page while Response.Redirect
instructs the clients browser to request the other page. Transfer stays on the server and thus
requires no round trip to the client and back while also maintaining a reference to the
transferring pages members for use in the transferred page. However, the clients browser
history is ignorant of this transfer and clicking on the browsers back button would have
unexpected results.
M1. What is the difference between a DataSet and a DataReader? Which one is
disconnected from the database? How would you get data into a DataSet?
A DataSet is an in-memory representation of a relational database as complex as the
programmer desires. It is disconnected from the original data store and can handle multiple
selects and manipulations. To get data into a DataSet instantiate a DataAdapter most suited
for the data store and call its Fill() function. A DataReader is connected to the original data
store and allows read-only, forward-only access to the data. Incidentally, a DataReader is used
behind the scenes by a DataAdapter.
M2. What are all of the different ways for you to persist data between Post-backs?
Form fields, ViewState (directly), hidden html elements, ASP.NET HiddenFields, Session
variables, Application variables, query string, cookies, Profile properties, persisted files,
database
M3. What were the 3 built-in Data Controls included in the .NET Framework 1.1? Of the 3, which is
the fastest to develop with? Which provides the capability for the richest user
experience? Which provides the best execution performance?
DataGrid, DataList, and Repeater. DataGrid is the fastest to develop with as most important
functions can be accomplished with Visual Studios WYSIWYG editor. The Repeater solely
dependent on html/css for its layout so it can appear any way the developer choose however,
the DataList is almost as configurable and has the ability for inline editing. The Repeater has
slightly better performance than the DataList and far greater performance than the DataGrid.
H1. What are the different types of Session management options available in ASP.NET?
How are they implemented? What are the consequences of using each?
InProc, State Server, SQL Server. InProc stores session info in memory on the local ASP.NET
worker process. State Server stores session info outside the ASP.NET worker process and is
managed by a Windows Service. SQL Server stores session info in a SQL Server database.
InProc would not work if using a server farm as session info is not shared amongst different
servers. Session variables stored in a State or SQL Server need to be serializable.
H2. Are you familiar with Typed DataSets? Please compare and contrast the differences
between using the standard DataSet and a Typed DataSet?
Yes, I am familiar with them. Typed DataSets allow access to a DataSets fields as strongly
typed members of that object. This prevents the need for writing type conversions before
using a fields data as well as allowing those fields to show up (e.g. in Intellisense) as
properties of the DataSet at the slight cost of maintaining a DataSets schema within the
project.