In-Depth
Q&A: Robert Boedigheimer on ASP.NET Core 1.0 Tag Helpers
Find out more about this new feature of ASP.NET Core 1.0 and how it might help you.
ASP.NET Core 1.0 has introduced Tag Helpers, which are a much more HTML-centric approach to using server-side code to help construct HTML elements in Razor views. At Visual Studio Live! Las Vegas 2017, Robert Boedigheimer, principal systems developer at Schwans Shared Services, will talk all about ASP.NET Core 1.0 Tag Helpers during his session on the topic, covering issues such as how to use built-in Tag Helpers for downloading specific JavaScript and CSS, comparing Tag Helpers with existing HTML Helpers, and how to create custom ones.
We recently asked him for a bit of a preview on the topic:
What would you say the top three benefits of using Tag Helpers?
First, you get a more HTML-like syntax than pre-existing HTML Helpers in Razor files. Second, there are many built-in Tag Helpers that simplify common tasks that many Web sites will encounter. Third, there is a server-side mechanism for creating custom reusable HTML elements or attributes to render HTML.
What are the top built-in tag helpers devs should know about?
- <environment> -- to include content only when on a particular level of server (development, stage, production).
- asp-append-version -- adds a version number to URLs to override caches and ensure the latest version is used.
- asp-fallback-href -- can specify a local file to use if a file doesn't properly download from a CDN.
What ways do you like to use Tag Helpers?
I like to use the built-in Tag Helpers where available. The ability to build custom Tag Helpers provides a great mechanism to provide reusable server-side functionality for a Web site. My session will review how to build custom Tag Helpers to utilize responsive images using the latest srcset attribute and <picture> tag.
Do Tag Helpers ever get in the way?
The nice thing is you don't have to use them if you don't want to, and you can selectively disable on particular elements.
What is the best thing that people will get out of attending your session?
An understanding of the built-in tag helpers and how to create your own.
Is there anything you wish we asked you that we didn't?
Yes, I really am a third-degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do, can break bricks and use nun-chucks, but won't be doing that for this session!
Thanks Robert!
About the Author
Becky Nagel is the former editorial director and director of Web for 1105 Media's Converge 360 group, and she now serves as vice president of AI for company, specializing in developing media, events and training for companies around AI and generative AI technology. She's the author of "ChatGPT Prompt 101 Guide for Business Users" and other popular AI resources with a real-world business perspective. She regularly speaks, writes and develops content around AI, generative AI and other business tech. Find her on X/Twitter @beckynagel.