Microsoft has introduced WebMatrix, a free web development tool designed to help website developers to create, customise and publish websites to the Internet.
Available in nine languages, the WebMatrix 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.
The new tool is designed for anyone wanting to create a website as it provides a quick way to learn how to build websites; an efficient way to build websites using open source applications; and options for quick and easy data-driven website development.
According to the company, 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.
In addition, WebMatrix increases development productivity with support for multiple programming syntaxes, such as ASP.NET ‘Razor’ or PHP, and Web helpers, which give a single line-of-code offering for complex coding tasks, such as inserting Twitter feeds or video.
The new offering also includes a search engine optimisation reporting tool to help build search-friendly websites that are more discoverable to their users.
Microsoft developer division senior vice president Somasegar said their web platform offers a complete ecosystem of products, partners and technologies all aimed at helping developers succeed on the Web.
"Every day, more people are looking to build, publish and manage a website, and now, with WebMatrix, we provide developers of all skill levels with a sophisticated, yet easy-to-use offering to get their sites online," Somasegar said.
