WebMatrix: Microsoft’s New Compact Web Development Utility

What Is Microsoft WebMatrix?

WebMatrix is a free web development application from Microsoft that provides users with a simple, yet powerful platform for website design, development, and management. If you are familiar with Microsoft’s Web Platform Installer you will already be aware of the time-saving functionality offered by a multi-tasking download management app. WebMatrix provides this service, and a whole lot more.

With WebMatrix, you now have the ability to locate, install, and use popular open-sourced CMS solutions and blogging software. There are free website templates also available and all website coding can be performed from within this one all-encompassing application. WebMatrix provides users with a singular point to access and manage web development solutions.
Let’s have a closer inspection of what WebMatrix has to offer...

WebMatrix: What’s Inside the Box?

Here are 10 of the most important features of WebMatrix:

1. One-Step Installation of Essential Dependency Components

When you install WebMatrix, the application uses the Microsoft Web Platform Installer (MS WPI) to ensure the whole process is seamless and painless. MS WPI searches your computer and locates any missing, or outdated dependency programs required to run and use WebMatrix.

The application then automatically collates the necessary installations into one complete package and allows you to install these in one encompassing download. The download is fully customizable and you can deselect any components you would rather install separately. Though to ensure that WebMatrix runs efficiently it is preferable to permit the application to install the dependencies it requires when prompted.

2. Essential Programs in Lightweight Format

IIS Express: This is the web server included with WebMatrix. Optimized for developers, IIS Express is a smaller, self-contained version of the well-known IIS server software and ASP.NET Development Server. Having a web server incorporated into WebMatrix allows users to design and test their websites as if they were actually online.

SQL Compact Edition: This is a mini-version of SQL and is integrated into the WebMatrix interface itself. The advantage of this is that users can build and integrate a database into their website design and then export the very same database to an external web server when ready – with no need for any complicated additional installations. There is even the option for simple migration to full SQL should this ever be necessary.

3. Multiple Open-Sourced Programs at Your Fingertips

There are over 30 open-sourced platforms readily available in the WebMatrix Web Application Gallery. Available platforms include:

• Wordpress
• Joomla
• Drupal
• DotNetNuke
• Kentico
• Umbraco
• MojoPortal
• BlogEngine.net
• and more...

4. Simple Installation of Award Winning Platforms

Any of the above mentioned platforms can be easily integrated by clicking on the desired application and then following the platforms simple installation instructions, all from within the WebMatrix app itself.

Users can download and install as many platforms as they like and can easily switch from one to another within the WebMatrix interface.

5. Recommended Windows Hosting Solutions

There are over 30 available recommended hosting solutions available from within the WebMatrix interface. There is a specific section within the main site development interface, as well as links within the Web Application Gallery section.

All hosting solutions are covered from shared to dedicated hosting and the links will direct users to the hosting company’s parent website. Even if a user selects a shared hosting deal, there will undoubtedly be all other options readily available from that chosen hosting provider.

6. Multiple Starting Points

When you open WebMatrix you will offered the option to choose from 4 starting points:

• My Sites
• Sites From Web Gallery
• Sites From Template
• Sites From Folder

If this is the first time you have used WebMatrix then there will be nothing contained within My Sites. But once you start developing a site, and saving the work, this will be the place to access your current project/s.

Site From Web Gallery allows you to select and download various open-sourced CMS, blogging and web development platforms.

Sites From Template offers users the opportunity to choose from 5 pre-designed templates (at time of writing). These are:

• Empty Site
• Starter Site
• Bakery
• Photo Gallery
• Calendar

Sites From Folder will take you to the folder on your computer where any WebMatrix external files are located. You could choose to save a non-WebMatrix developed website in this folder so that you have instant access to the file and can work on the project via WebMatrix.

7. Four Workspaces within One Platform

WebMatrix has 4 available workspaces, each relevant to a specific area of website design and development. The 4 different workspaces are all contained within the WebMatrix UI itself and are as follows:

• Site Workspace: Allows a user to monitor website server settings and all or any web requests.
• Files Workspace: The place to manage files and work on programming syntax
• Database Workspace: Develop, manage, and monitor site databases
• Reports Workspace: This function is used to generate site-based reports such as Performance and SEO.

8. Simplistic Coding Interface

WebMatrix has the functions of a true website design software program. It has a fully functional coding interface (the Files Workspace) that allows users to write programming syntax directly into the application itself. From the main site menu users can select specific files and open and switch between HTML, CSHTML, CSS, JavaScript, ASPX (C#), TXT and XML.

Select any one of the file types and you will see a coding interface common to most website design programs.

There are many helpful shortcuts and pre-formatted syntax to assist with numerous time-saving functions and common tasks. But the true potential of WebMatrix as a user-friendly programming interface lies with its support of the Razor coding syntax.

Razor is an ASP.NET syntax allowing users to add in server code and has been specifically designed to be simpler to learn, and use, than the traditional ASP.NET MVC. Razor allows users to add Visual Basic or C# code into HTML.

9. Web Publishing Made Easy

WebMatrix natively supports FTP, FTPS, FTP/SSL, and Web Deploy protocols for easy website publication. As previously mentioned, WebMatrix makes it simple to find suitable hosting solutions via easy-to-locate links within the platform itself.

WebMatrix has a ‘Publish’ menu on the main window that includes a drop-down menu highlighting the main website publishing options.

10. Integrated Analytics and Troubleshooting with Visual Studio

WebMatrix provides a host of analytical reports that measure the optimization and performance of a website, helping to maximize efficiency and highlight any problematic areas before web publication.

One of these troubleshooting functions is the SEO report. This can be utilized by selecting the ‘Reports’ section on the Home screen. Once Reports is selected, a new array of functions is available. If you are using the Reports option for the first time, WebMatrix will prompt you to create a new report.

The Reports function allows a user to analyze the overall performance of a website and will even guide users to the exact file where the problematic area is located.

WebMatrix also incorporates Visual Studio. This allows users to easily perform profiling and debugging of website code and offers simple fixes for any highlighted problematic areas.
There is a useful Visual Studio button located on the top ribbon of the WebMatrix Home UI allowing instant access.

WebMatrix: Novice Plaything or Developer’s Magic Wand?

So that is what WebMatrix has to offer. But is Microsoft’s web development platform simply a useful learning tool for the amateur website creator, or does it have enough power and depth for professional experienced website designers and developers?

Well there is no denying that WebMatrix is a fantastic tool for novice web development enthusiasts. Everything you need is within easy access. Not only does WebMatrix offer easy installation of quality open-sourced platforms, which aid the web development process, it then helps you find a hosting provider, optimize your creation, and finally publish your project online with minimal fuss.

But can WebMatrix attract a more website savvy interest? Well the answer is... why not! WebMatrix provides a 4 in 1 workspace solution that even professional developers will find efficiently purposeful. Yes, WebMatrix can be used to simplify web design and publication, but it still provides the workspaces and tools for complete manual control and extensive customization.

So in answer to the original question: “Is WebMatrix a novice plaything or developer’s magic wand?”

Quite simply... it is both.

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