As you can see - even from the very swift tour that we've provided in this document - ASP.NET Web Matrix is already a powerful, intuitive, and extremely useful tool for creating Web sites and Web pages, User Controls, Web Services, and many other types of ASP.NET-related project files. It combines the ease of use of tools like Visual Studio .NET with the simplicity of files created with a text editor or other third-party tools. By avoiding the code-behind approach of Visual Studio .NET, it also produces ASP.NET pages that are generally easier to debug, modify, and extend in the future without requiring the original development tool to be used.
In this document, we looked at the fundamental differences between Web Matrix and Visual Studio .NET, and then went on to tour the IDE itself. We explained the features provided, the templates and wizards that are included, and the way that you can get help and support directly from within the IDE. Remember that Web Matrix is a "community project" that will evolve over time in line with feature requests and feedback from users. The links that are provided to other resources help you to interact with the community at large (outside Microsoft) that has consistentlv driven the adoption of ASP and ASP NET.
We went on to put Web Matrix to work and built an example application that demonstrates many of its features. While our application is by no means a real-world commercial application, it did allow us to show several types of files, wizards, and other features that are part of Web Matrix. It also indicates just how much time and effort Web Matrix can save you when you are working with ASP.NET.
Finally, we looked at how you can configure and extend Web Matrix to suit your own requirements. This includes setting preferences as well as modifying the user interface content and layout. We also indicated that you could build your own add-ins and other tools that directly integrate with Web Matrix. There will be an increasing number of ready-built tools and add-ins available as Web Matrix matures and the user community grows. The focus for all this is the Microsoft .ASP.NET Web Matrix site at http://www.asp.net/WebMatrix.
Bear in mind that this document looks at the Beta 1 version of Web Matrix, released in the summer of 2002. There is no fixed timetable for a release of the "final" product at the moment - in fact there may never be a "final" version. Only you, as a member of the user community, can help to influence and decide the ultimate fate of Web Matrix. Use it and enjoy it.