Table of Contents
  • Introduction to Razor Pages
  • Creating a Razor Page
  • Advantages
  • Disadvantages
  • Conclusion
Quick Summary:
Learn how to build dynamic web apps using .NET Core Razor Pages with this easy-to-follow guide. Razor Pages offer a simple and efficient way to create web applications, making it easier to manage and scale your projects. This guide will walk you through the process, providing practical examples to enhance your development skills.
Introduction to Razor Pages
Razor Pages is a web UI framework in ASP.NET Core that focuses on individual pages, making it easier to organize your code. Unlike the traditional MVC (Model-View-Controller) pattern, Razor Pages allow you to keep the HTML markup and C# code together in a single .cshtml file, simplifying both the development and maintenance processes.
Creating a Razor Page
To create a Razor Page, just add a .cshtml file to the Pages directory of your ASP.NET Core project. This file will include both the HTML and C# code (also known as the code-behind). Razor Pages automatically handle HTTP requests based on the file name and directory structure. For example, a request to /Contact would be handled by a Contact.cshtml page in the Pages directory.
Razor Syntax
Razor Pages mix C# code with HTML markup. You can insert C# code directly into your HTML by using the @ symbol.

Advantages

Simplicity and Productivity:
Razor Pages help you focus on individual pages and their specific functionalities, which can boost productivity, especially for smaller projects or when building basic CRUD interfaces.
Integrated UI and Logic:
By combining HTML markup with C# code in one file, Razor Pages make it easier to manage and understand the codebase without needing to switch between multiple files.
Convention-Based Routing:
Routing is simplified, as Razor Pages use the file structure to determine URLs, leading to cleaner and more concise code.
Reduced Ceremony:
Razor Pages remove some of the extra code that traditional MVC applications require, making development faster and the codebase easier to maintain.
Testability:
The page models in Razor Pages can be easily tested, ensuring that individual pages are reliable and work as intended.

Disadvantages

Limited Separation of Concerns:
Combining UI and logic in a single file can lead to less organized code, especially in larger projects where keeping things separate is crucial for maintainability.
Tighter Coupling:
The tight connection between the page model (code-behind) and the HTML markup can make it difficult to reuse code across different pages or modify the UI without impacting the logic.
Complexity with Large Projects:

Razor Pages may become difficult to manage in large applications with many pages and complex interactions.

Learning Curve:
Developers who are used to traditional MVC frameworks might find it challenging to transition to Razor Pages at first.
Limited Flexibility:
While Razor Pages offer simplicity, they may not provide the same level of flexibility and extensibility as the traditional MVC pattern, especially when it comes to customization and third-party integrations.

Conclusion

Razor Pages in .NET Core offer a simpler, more productive way to build web applications, especially for smaller projects.

By combining UI and logic into a single file, Razor Pages streamline the development process and reduce the need for boilerplate code. However, they might not be the best choice for larger, more complex applications due to their limitations in flexibility and separation of concerns. It’s important to weigh the pros and cons before deciding if Razor Pages are the right fit for your project.