ASP (Active Server Pages) is a server-side scripting technology developed by Microsoft for building dynamic web pages and web applications. It enables developers to embed scripts within HTML pages that are executed on a web server before being sent to the client's browser.
Originally released in 1996, ASP uses scripting languages such as VBScript or JScript to interact with databases, process form data, manage sessions, and generate content tailored to user requests. It runs under Internet Information Services (IIS) on Windows servers and was widely used in early web development before being largely superseded by ASP.NET.
Professionals with ASP expertise typically work in legacy system maintenance, enterprise environments, or organizations supporting older web applications. While modern development has shifted toward ASP.NET and other frameworks, knowledge of ASP remains relevant for supporting and migrating existing systems.
- Generates dynamic web content using server-side scripts
- Integrates with databases like SQL Server via ADO
- Runs on Windows servers using IIS
- Uses VBScript or JScript for embedded logic
- Supports session and application state management
- Commonly used in legacy enterprise applications
Individuals skilled in ASP are expected to understand request-response cycles, write efficient server-side code, debug script errors, and interface with backend data sources. Familiarity with related technologies such as COM components, classic ADO, and IIS configuration is often required. Employers may seek this skill when maintaining or modernizing older web platforms originally built on classic ASP architecture.