Pre-requisites to learning ASP.Net

As true with other programming languages, you need no programming back-ground to learn ASP.net. Having said that, it would be easier to understand the technology better, if you have a working knowledge of html, and other scripting languages such as vbscript or javascript. Before commencing the journey to learn ASP.net, you might want to consider following facts.

• The coding in ASP.net is usually done in VB.Net or C#. Even though there are plenty of languages in which you can develop the application, these are the most common programming languages. So it would be advisable to have a hands on knowledge on either of them as well. It won't be a problem if you don't know them, as they are quite similar to any of the programming languages, so just a brush up with syntax will do as well.
• The most frequently asked question for starters is "Should I learn VB.net of C#?" The standard and technically correct answer is either! .Net framework 2.0 and later have been carefully created to let you write codes in either language that suits you the most. Also the final executable code is in CRL (another buzz word, abbreviation of Common Runtime Language), so ultimately the code is converted into a common format. So if you fancy C#, then go ahead. The only reason Microsoft is still doing with two languages is legacy. VB.Net is more similar to VB6.0 and C# would sound identical to Java.
• Another question often asked is "Where can I find a good tutorial? or Which is the best book for learning?" Unlike most of the developers, I have my personal opinion. Do not read book or tutorial before, you know what you are doing. The best way to learn a new language or technology is to understand the application. What I suggest to most of the new programmers, is, Start building your own web application. After you have planned your site, and have a initial data structure ready, then take up any book (personally I recommend Wrox Publications), and start reading what you are supposed to do. The best alternative to a book is online forums.
  Register on an online forums such as
  Asp.net Forums and
  The Scripts.
  
• Over the course of time, I have found that posting a question in such forums, often yields multiple answers, and you then have many options to choose from. You can select the best option for your application, and also compare what other options are available, and study when to use them.