What is ASP?

[MrLeN]

Ok, it might seem like a stupid question, but I don't really know what it is. I have been building web pages practically every day for several years now. I have been employed by a software company for 18 months and have created thousands of pages - and all of this, I did without ASP.

I have only ever used and worked on *nix servers. So, I have no idea about what ASP is. The reason I ask what it is, is because I have applied for a job as a web designer for an Australian Government Museum, but I noticed that they use ASP.

I have 100% of the skills that they require me to possess. HTML, cross browser compatability experience, graphic/optimization ability, CSS skills and commercial experience working on complicated projects in a team environment.

I have AMPLE skills in all the above areas. Yet, I do not have any experience with ASP. I hand code absolutely everything I create. I can code cross browser friendly, fast loading HTML and CSS right off the top of my head. I know it all off by heart, and I intend on telling them this at the interview (if I get one). I'll even offer to hand code a fully functional CSS/HTML website that works in all current browsers for them in 30 minutes - with only notepad.

Can anyone tell me if my lack of expericnce with ASP (what ever it really is) will hold me back?

Or, considering that I am quite experienced and proven with web design, should I be able to fit my skills in with an ASP environment without too much trouble?

MrLeN

[paulhiles]

Active Server Pages (ASP) is a Microsoft technology for creating dynamic webpages. It allows interaction with database content, file manipulation, and a whole range of server side functions. If you've always worked on Unix platforms, and have no experience of the "dark-side" then it may come as a bit of a shock! :o)

But seriously, the principles behind a lot of the methods are very similar to PHP.. the use of includes (in particular). You could probably pick up the basics in a few months. However if they're using advanced methods in ASP.. using classes and customised COM objects then you may be struggling.

By the way, I use ASP regularly and for the most part code everything in a plain text editor.. TextPad or Ultra-Edit.

Hope that helps,

Paul

[MrLeN]

AAAAH Shoot!

I use PHP for building my websites.

Maybe I am not so perfect for this role after all :(

Thanks paulhiles

MrLeN

[paulhiles]

AAAAH Shoot!

I use PHP for building my websites.

Maybe I am not so perfect for this role after all :(

Why not be upfront with them and ask how much ASP experience is required? It may well be that you're eminently qualified for the job.. and there may be hardly any ASP work involved at all. If the site is currently up and running you may well be able to 'wing it' and learn as you go... there's certainly no harm in asking some pertinent questions about the role. So I say go for it! :o)

Paul

[kneelsit]

Don't be put off so easily MrLen - take Paul's advice be upfront, fair dinkum (though a little bit of BS* might help) and "go for it".

Only thing I would advise, if you get the job, is that you watch your back very carefully, as Museum jobs seems to be highly subject to "internal terrorist" attacks here in Oz.

Interested in your claim of 30 mins to code a website!! May have a small job for you - PM me if you are interested.