When graphic designers create a layout for a Web site, they typically break down page layout into distinct regions, such as
a common header that includes the logo and various navigation links, a left navigation menu perhaps, the main content area,
and perhaps some sort of site map or legalese at the footer of the page. ASP.NET
2.0 makes defining these regions and applying them to multiple pages across a website a breeze with Master Pages.
A Master Page allows a page developer to define a site-wide layout, marking what regions are customizable on a page-by-page
basis. For more on using Master Pages and their advantages, see A
Sneak Peak at MasterPages in ASP.NET 2.0.
One common challenge that faces page developers using Master Pages is how to pass information from a Master Page to its
content page, or vice-a-versa. A Master Page might contain a DropDownList control that when its selected index changes, the
corresponding content page needs to have its display updated. Or perhaps some action in the content page needs to update
the appearance of the Master Page. In this article we will explore techniques for passing information between a Master Page
and its content page. Read on to learn more!
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