--- title: "What is a Razor view in ASP.NET Core, and how does it differ from a regular HTML file?" description: "What is a Razor view in ASP.NET Core, and how does it differ from a regular HTML file?" author: "Sandra Emily" published: 2023-10-20 updated: 2023-10-25 canonical: https://www.mindstick.com/forum/160230/what-is-a-razor-view-in-asp-dot-net-core-and-how-does-it-differ-from-a-regular-html-file category: ".net core" tags: ["asp.net core", ".net core", "razor view"] reading_time: 3 minutes --- # What is a Razor view in ASP.NET Core, and how does it differ from a regular HTML file? What is a [Razor](https://www.mindstick.com/articles/12002/asp-dot-net-mvc5-razor-with-jquery) [view in ASP.NET](https://www.mindstick.com/forum/33955/how-to-create-a-partial-view-in-asp-dot-net-mvc-4) Core, and how does it differ from a [regular](https://www.mindstick.com/forum/220/problem-in-regular-expression-in-javascript) [HTML](https://www.mindstick.com/articles/1530/design-a-simple-stylish-calculator-using-html-css-and-javascript) [file](https://www.mindstick.com/articles/59/encrypting-and-decrypting-files-using-c-sharp)? ## Replies ### Reply by Aryan Kumar In [ASP.NET Core](https://www.mindstick.com/articles/12946/get-started-with-asp-dot-net-core-mvc-and-visual-studio), a [Razor view](https://www.mindstick.com/forum/155820/how-to-generate-textbox-control-using-htmlhelper-in-razor-view) is a file that combines HTML markup with server-side code to dynamically generate web content. Razor views are a key component of the Razor view engine and are used to produce dynamic web pages. Here's how a Razor view differs from a regular HTML file: ## Razor View: **Dynamic Content:** A Razor view can contain both HTML markup and server-side code (typically written in C# or VB.NET). This code can be used to dynamically generate content, making the web page adaptable to different scenarios, data, or user interactions. **Server-Side Logic:** Razor views allow you to incorporate server-side logic, such as data retrieval, calculations, and conditional statements, directly within the HTML structure. This enables you to create pages that respond to data and user input. **Data Binding:** Razor views are often associated with a model (using the **@model** directive) that allows you to bind data to the view. You can access properties and methods of the model to display dynamic content. **Layouts:** Razor views can define a layout that specifies the common structure of the page (e.g., header, footer, navigation). Individual views can specify which layout to use, allowing for consistent design across the site. **Partials:** Razor views can include partial views (e.g., navigation menus or sidebars) and use them as reusable components. These partials can be used across multiple pages, promoting code reusability. **Directives:** Razor views can include special directives like **@using**, **@model**, and **@inherits** that provide instructions to the Razor view engine. For example, **@model** specifies the model type for the view, and **@using** allows you to include namespaces for your server-side code. ## Regular HTML File: **Static Content:** Regular HTML files contain only static content. They are not designed to handle server-side logic or dynamic data. The content is fixed and doesn't change unless the HTML file is manually edited. **No Server-Side Code:** A regular HTML file does not include any server-side code, making it unsuitable for interacting with databases, processing forms, or performing server-side operations. **No Data Binding:** HTML files cannot bind to data models or databases. Any data displayed on a regular HTML page must be hard-coded into the HTML. **No Layouts or Partials:** Regular HTML files don't have built-in support for layouts or partials. The common structure of the page is repeated in each HTML file, which can lead to redundancy and maintenance challenges. **No Directives:** HTML files do not use special directives like those found in Razor views (e.g., **@model**, **@using**). They are pure HTML documents without the ability to include server-side code. In summary, a Razor view in ASP.NET Core is an HTML file enriched with server-side code, dynamic data, and the ability to use layouts and partials. It enables the creation of dynamic, data-driven web pages. Regular HTML files, on the other hand, are static documents without server-side capabilities and are typically used for unchanging content or purely client-side purposes. --- Original Source: https://www.mindstick.com/forum/160230/what-is-a-razor-view-in-asp-dot-net-core-and-how-does-it-differ-from-a-regular-html-file Copyright © MindStick Software Pvt. Ltd. This Markdown version is provided for developers, AI systems, and offline reading.