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For developers: How does Sitefinity use ASP.NET MVC

Sitefinity's multi-layer architecture is designed and built around the key concepts of extensibility, interoperability and integration, and flexibility. Sitefinity provides you with choices to work with third-party software and different approaches on implementing your logic and meeting your requirements. on how they could solve a problem.

With Sitefinity CMS, you have yet another option how to build websites and user interfaces - with ASP.NET MVC architecture. Before you start working with ASP.NET MVC in Sitefinity CMS, you should think about the following:

  • Is Sitefinity CMS rewritten in ASP.NET MVC?
    No. Sitefinity CMS only supports ASP.NET MVC controllers and views but the CMS itself still works with WebForms.
  • Are you abandoning the WebForms model?
    No. You can use everything you are already using until now with the WebForms model.
  • OK, but are you going to develop new features with WebForms?
    Yes. Apart from the support for WebForms, Sitefinity CMS invests in the WebForms model and continues introducing related features.
  • Do I have to use ASP.NET MVC?
    You decide whether the WebForms or the ASP.NET MVC model suits your needs better. You can use both models.

Consider the following:

  • To make sure you are working with the accurate ASP.NET MVC version, check System requirements.
  • Sitefinity CMS supports just the Razor view engine and C# for ASP.NET MVC views. You can, however, write WebForms controls with ASCX markup, but all ASP.NET MVC views must use Razor and C#.

For more information about the three ASP.NET MVC modes and how you can work with them, see For developers: MVC modes.

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