Although it may seem an easy question to answer, as a matter of fact, the real thing is that every .NET student find a lot of problems in where and how to start a new .NET Web project: real project, idea, requirements, data base, XML, Web Services, user interface, content/presentation separation, n layers architecture… so I think there are some key points to think about this topic and the different aspects to take into account at the time of face this task by your own.

After some learning period in .NET strategies and the technology, I’ve encountered some concept problems at the time to start with a new Web .NET project, even in Computer Science students, that it is supposed they have some good skills with the basics of Web programming and development. So, what’s the problem? Where’s the point to start a new Web .NET project. In fact, this has an easy answer because they have all the tools and knowledge they need to do it but, let’s start with the beginning first!

A clear idea of the service/application

I think this is the most difficult point in the process but think, you can’t walk for a mile without walk every single step of the way that compounds that mile -it is so simple-.

When I ask to the students about ideas for Web applications I get surprised when all I hear in the first round is something like… ‘… a shop…’, ‘…an eCommerce site…’, ‘…I’d like to develop a content management system…’, ‘…I think I can make a Weblog…’ Ok, my friends, I’m not against these kinds of applications but, -think-. Ok, think a little bit harder! Open your mind and think about problems you have in your everyday life, there are a lot; some friend of you have told you he/she need something; it would be a great idea been able to do whatever on Internet… there are a lot of things and services we can offer or provide to a group of people, think about it. Use a notebook to write these ideas in it, have a category in your Blog called ideas, and use it when you want or need to make a new Web service or application.

Let’s try to find out easy concepts that make our lives a little bit better using new technologies and the Internet. Think in what you or your friends like (music, sports, cooking, going out, chatting, share images and other resources, find information easily and quick, find out a place in your town or city…), and try to think in how can you improve these likes using Internet. You will see there is a world of possibilities among easy and everyday things to develop a Web solution to these problems.

After making this list you’ll probably have more than five ideas to choose one of them, centre your focus on it and begin to work in all the problems and situations to consider but, yes, you’ve started your .NET project centred in a real world situation in which you can offer a solution; -doesn’t it sound really cool ¡yeah! You have it.-

Next pots I’ll talk about how to materialize this idea into simple steps and a basic planning of your project. So continue reading this blog.