ASP.NET MVC
ASP.NET MVC is a web application framework from Microsoft that brought the Model-View-Controller pattern to the .NET world. In practical terms, it separates "what the app does" (models and controllers) from "how it looks" (views). That separation makes medium-to-large websites easier to organise, test, and evolve over time. It runs on the classic Windows-only .NET Framework and was the standard choice for many corporate intranets and public-facing sites throughout the 2010s. Developers used ASP.NET MVC to deliver server-rendered HTML pages, handle user input, talk to servers for fresh data, and can animate or customise the interface. It offered strong security features, robust routing of URLs, and a vast library ecosystem. Many successful, long-lived sites were built with it, and it set the stage for today's patterns in modern .NET web development.
Official WebsiteMigration Guidance
ASP.NET MVC is in maintenance mode; new development has shifted to ASP.NET Core (on modern .NET). Migrating provides cross-platform hosting, significant performance gains, simpler cloud deployments, and access to new features. Over time, staying on legacy frameworks increases risk: fewer updates, shrinking talent pools, and higher operating costs. A phased migration—starting with APIs or critical modules—reduces disruption while gradually unlocking the benefits of ASP.NET Core.
When to use ASP.NET MVC
Use ASP.NET MVC primarily for maintaining and extending existing applications already built with it. It's a solid fit for organisations with Windows Server infrastructure and operational processes centred on the .NET Framework. If the team and hosting environment are aligned to this technology, incremental enhancements can remain cost-effective while planning a longer-term modernisation.
Why choose ASP.NET MVC?
Organisations historically chose ASP.NET MVC for its structure, security, and Microsoft support. It enabled clean separation of concerns, testability, and straightforward integration with SQL Server and Windows authentication. Many teams still appreciate its predictability and the abundance of libraries and knowledge accumulated over the years.