ASP.NET Application Directories
Every web application should have a well-planned directory structure. For example, you’ll
probably want to store images in a separate folder from where you store your web pages. Or
you might want to put public ASP.NET pages in one folder and restricted ones in another so
you can apply different security settings based on the directory.
| Directory | Description |
| Bin | Contains all the compiled .NET components (DLLs) that the ASP.NET web application uses. For example, if you develop a custom component for accessing a database (see Chapter 23), you’ll place the component here. ASP.NET will automatically detect the assembly, and any page in the web application will be able to use it. This seamless deployment model is far easier than working with traditional COM components, which must be registered before they can be used (and often reregistered when they change). |
| App_Code | Contains source code files that are dynamically compiled for use in your application. You can use this directory in a similar way as the Bin directory; the only difference is that you place source code files here instead of compiled assemblies. |
| App_GlobalResources | Stores global resources that are accessible to every page in the web application. This directory is used in localization scenarios, when you need to have a website in more than one language. |
| App_LocalResources | Serves the same purpose as App_GlobalResources, except these resources are accessible to a specific page only. |
| App_WebReferences | Stores references to web services that the web application uses. For more information about web services, you can download a three-chapter introduction from the previous edition of this book, in PDF form, at |
| App_Data | Stores data, including SQL Server 2005 Express Edition database files and XML files. Of course, you’re free to store data files in other directories. |
| App_Themes | Stores the themes that are used by your web application. |
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asp.net