ASP.NET vs SharePoint

Question

For a developer who likes working in ASP.NET/Web forms, would anyone recommend going towards a SharePoint shop? Will I be able to keep up with latest in ASP.NET, or is SharePoint a different world? I really like ASP.NET, but have an opportunity with SharePoint development. Is the big change worth it on the tech/skillset end?

UPDATE: I think it's better to stick with web forms, if you have a choice. SharePoint seems to be tougher to develop[in terms of what you expect out of regular ASP.NET]/deploy/style/debug. Why should good ASP.NET devs go to SharePoint if they don't need to?

Answer 1

Your ASP.Net knowledge will help you understand some of Sharepoint, since it is based on some of the same technologies as ASP.Net.

On the negative side:

• Sharepoint has a steep learning curve
• Some developers hate it

On the positive side

• For the right scenario, you can deliver business value much faster than custom development
• Atleast in our market a Sharepoint expert will be better paid than someone who only knows ASP.net

Answer 2

As someone who's been on the sharepoint train for a few years now, I'd say you'd be crazy NOT to take the opportunity. SharePoint is firmly based on asp.net and there is plenty of crossover. In fact, ASP.NET 2.0 design was large driven by the needs of WSS 3.0 - namely webparts and the system.web.hosting virtualization aspects. You will feel extremely comfortable when developing. Go for it.

-Oisin