Microsoft today announced the availability of WebMatrix, a free Web
development tool designed to help website developers of all skill
levels easily create, customize and publish websites to the Internet.
WebMatrix is available today in nine languages and includes a set of
tools to create new websites, using code provided through a variety
of available templates or using existing free open source Web
applications, such as WordPress, Joomla!, DotNetNuke and Umbraco.
Microsoft designed WebMatrix for anyone wanting to create a website.
For students and new developers, WebMatrix provides a quick way to
learn how to build websites; for Web agencies, it provides an
efficient way to build websites using open source applications; and
for the professional developer, it?s another option for quick and
easy data-driven website development. Professional developers can
also contribute to a directory of code published through NuGet, a
free open source package management system, so others can benefit
from their expertise.
WebMatrix provides the tools needed to run a website, including the
Web server, database and Web frameworks. It suports multiple
programming syntaxes, such as ASP.NET "Razor" or PHP, and Web
helpers, which give a single line-of-code solution for complex coding
tasks, such as inserting Twitter feeds or video. It also includes a
search engine optimization reporting tool to help build
search-friendly websites that are more discoverable to their users.
When a website is ready to be published, Web developers publish it to
their own hosting provider or one available through WebMatrix.
WebMatrix also includes a gallery of offerings from hosting providers
that range in scalability and price based on users? needs.
The platform is available for download
here