Declarative programming by way of custom controls has always been a part of Windows (WinForms) development. But it wasn't until the release of ASP.NET that developers got a chance to apply these principles and techniques to Web development.

OK, time to pick a fight. What is declarative programming? Well, as I stated above, I've seen many definitions of that term lately; but most of them pretty much break down into similar descriptions. It is a style of programming whereas at one level you define, in detail, how a variety of things are done, and from another level you instruct as to what needs to be done. Let me explain with a couple of examples in the context of languages I'm sure you already know.

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