Razor syntax is a markup syntax used in ASP.NET for embedding server-side code into web pages. It is designed to be clean and easy to read, allowing developers to seamlessly integrate C# or VB.NET code with HTML. Razor is primarily used in ASP.NET Web Pages, ASP.NET MVC, and ASP.NET Core applications.

Key Features of Razor Syntax

• Concise and Readable: Razor syntax is designed to be concise, making it easier to read and write compared to traditional ASP.NET syntax.
• Code Blocks: Razor allows you to define code blocks using the @ symbol, which indicates that the following code is server-side code.
• HTML Integration: Razor syntax allows for seamless integration of HTML and server-side code, enabling dynamic content generation.
• Automatic HTML Encoding: Razor automatically encodes output to prevent XSS (Cross-Site Scripting) attacks, enhancing security.

Using Razor Syntax in ASP.NET Web Pages

In ASP.NET Web Pages, Razor syntax is used to create dynamic web content. Here are some common ways to use Razor syntax:

1. Inline Code

You can use Razor syntax to write inline code directly within your HTML. For example, you can display the current date and time as follows:

        
            <h2>Current Date and Time: @DateTime.Now</h2>
            

2. Code Blocks

You can define code blocks using the @{ } syntax. This is useful for executing multiple lines of code. For example:

        
            @{
                var greeting = "Hello, Visitor!";
                var currentHour = DateTime.Now.Hour;
                
                if (currentHour < 12)
                {
                    greeting = "Good Morning!";
                }
                else if (currentHour < 18)
                {
                    greeting = "Good Afternoon!";
                }
                else
                {
                    greeting = "Good Evening!";
                }
            }
            <h2>@greeting</h2>
            

3. Loops and Conditionals

Razor syntax allows you to use loops and conditionals to generate dynamic content. For example, you can create a list of items as follows:

        
            @{
                var items = new List<string> { "Item 1", "Item 2", "Item 3" };
            }
            <ul>
                @foreach (var item in items)
                {
                    <li>@item</li>
                }
            </ul>
            

4. HTML Helpers

Razor syntax also supports HTML helpers, which are methods that generate HTML elements. For example, you can create a form using the Html.BeginForm() helper:

        
            @using (Html.BeginForm("Submit", "Home"))
            {
                <input type="text" name="username" placeholder="Enter your name" />
                <input type="submit" value="Submit" />
            }
            

Conclusion

Razor syntax is a powerful feature of ASP.NET Web Pages that allows developers to create dynamic web content easily. Its clean and concise design, along with seamless integration of server-side code and HTML, makes it an essential tool for building modern web applications.