What are web controls in ASP.NET?

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Web controls are classes in the .NET framework. The controls have special tags understood by the server. They are created on the server and require a run at=”server” attribute to execute. They generate HTML code that is sent back to the browser.

In ASP.NET, web controls are elements that are used to create the user interface of web pages. These controls are similar to HTML elements but are more powerful and provide additional functionalities. Web controls in ASP.NET can be categorized into two main types:

  1. HTML Controls: These controls render as HTML elements and include basic input elements like text boxes, buttons, checkboxes, radio buttons, etc. HTML controls are lightweight and have limited functionality compared to server controls.
  2. Server Controls: These controls are ASP.NET specific and offer rich functionality along with server-side events and properties. Server controls are rendered as HTML and can run on the server, allowing for dynamic content generation and interaction. Examples of server controls include GridView, DropDownList, Calendar, TextBox, and many others.

When asked about web controls in ASP.NET during an interview, you can provide this distinction and elaborate on how both HTML and server controls are used to create dynamic and interactive web applications in ASP.NET. Additionally, you can discuss the benefits of server controls, such as easier management, enhanced functionality, and the ability to handle server-side events.