ASP.NET 2.0 Unleashed

In this chapter, you learned how you easily can extend the power of the Web Part Framework. The first section explored different types of Web Part Zones that you can create. For example, we created a custom Photo Web Part Zone that automatically displays the photos contained in a folder. We also created a multi-column Web Part Zone that displays Web Parts in a configurable number of repeating columns. Finally, we created a Web Part Zone that supports fancy drop-down menus.

Next, you learned about several methods of extending Catalog Zones. We created a custom Catalog Part that automatically displays all the Web Part controls contained in an application's App_Code folder. We also created a custom Catalog Zone that supports drag-and-drop functionality. Finally, you explored a method for creating a templated Catalog Zone that enables you to customize the appearance of a catalog in any way that you please.

Next, we tackled the subject of Editor Zones. First, we created a simple custom Editor Part that renders a custom form for editing the properties of a Web Part. Next, we created a templated Editor Zone that enables you to easily associate custom editor forms with any Web Part.

Finally, we built a custom Web Part Display Mode and Tool Zone. By taking advantage of a custom Help Display Mode, you can display help messages easily to the users of a Web Part page.