Meaning of the various symbols in .aspx page of asp.net

Question

I have come across different symbols in .aspx page of asp.net

<%#eval(expr) %>  <%#bind(expr) %> <% %>  - for specifying the c# code in aspx page <%$ %> - for specifying the SQL connection string in <asp:SqlDataSource> 

Is there any underlying logic behind these symbols or is it just syntax which we have to remember blindly? What does <% %> mean in general?

Answer 1

It is just syntax.

<% %> is simply short for <script runat="server"> </script> aka code render blocks.

<%# %> are binding expressions (plus the above).

<%= %> is the above + a Response.Write().

<%: %> is the above + a Response.Write() wrapped in Html.Encode (new in .NET 4.0).

<%$ %> is an ASP.NET expression, used to bind configuration or resource file data during runtime.

Answer 2

Remember it. It's more poorly documented ASP.net syntax to help maintain inconsistencies and fallout from ASP 'classic' groans. Also don't forget

<%=variablename %>