Question 1

DotVVM vs Blazor for building .NET web apps

Accepted Answer

DotVVM uses MVVM with server-side rendering and minimal JavaScript, ideal for line-of-business apps with complex data-binding, while Blazor offers full client-side C# via WebAssembly or server-side with SignalR, better for interactive UIs with real-time updates. Choose based on JavaScript avoidance vs. modern component model.

Question 2

How to add client-side validation in DotVVM

Accepted Answer

Use .NET data annotation attributes like [Required] or [EmailAddress] on ViewModel properties; DotVVM automatically generates client-side validation rules via built-in Validator controls, reducing manual JavaScript work as described in the advanced validation docs.

Question 3

Is DotVVM good for single-page applications?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it supports SPAs with client-side navigation and partial updates, but it relies on server-side rendering for initial loads and data-binding, so it's best for data-driven apps rather than highly dynamic, client-only interfaces.

Question 4

Can I use DotVVM with my existing ASP.NET MVC project?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely, DotVVM runs side-by-side with MVC and other ASP.NET frameworks, allowing you to add DotVVM pages incrementally without disrupting existing code, as highlighted in the compatibility features.

Question 5

What does DotVVM cost for commercial use?

Accepted Answer

The core framework is free and open-source under Apache license, but advanced controls like Business Pack or professional Visual Studio extensions require separate purchases, adding costs for enterprise features.

Question 6

How steep is the learning curve for .NET developers new to MVVM?

Accepted Answer

It's moderate if you're familiar with C# and ASP.NET, as it abstracts JavaScript, but understanding MVVM patterns and data-binding syntax requires initial investment, though tooling like DotVVM Academy helps.

DotVVM

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