purpose of ConnectionString element in .NET .config files

Question

What is the difference between storing and reading your application's connection string in the <appSettings> and <connectionStrings> sections of web.config?

Answer 1

.NET gives built-in support for managing a connection string along with a provider if specified in the <connectionStrings> section.

Also, built-in membership and role providers depend on the connection string being present in the proper section.