ASP.NET Core Deployment and Hosting Essentials Quiz Quiz

Explore key concepts of deploying and hosting ASP.NET Core applications, including configuration, environment setup, and cross-platform hosting strategies. This quiz is designed to reinforce your understanding of crucial deployment steps and best practices for ASP.NET Core web apps.

1. Supported Operating Systems

   Which operating system is supported for hosting ASP.NET Core applications?

   1. OpenSystem
   2. Definite
   3. Classic
   4. Windows

   Explanation: ASP.NET Core applications can be hosted on Windows due to their cross-platform nature. 'Classic' is not an operating system but rather might refer to older frameworks. 'Definite' and 'OpenSystem' are not recognized operating systems for ASP.NET Core deployment. The correct answer demonstrates the actual support for hosting these applications.

2. Publishing Output

   When publishing an ASP.NET Core app for deployment, what does the publish process typically generate?

   1. Compiled binaries and dependencies
   2. Raw HTML files
   3. Source code only
   4. Image files

   Explanation: Publishing an ASP.NET Core app generates compiled binaries and all required dependencies for deployment. Source code only is not sufficient for a production deployment. Raw HTML files and image files are assets but not the main deployment output for a server-side application. Therefore, the most accurate answer is 'compiled binaries and dependencies.'

3. Service Configuration Files

   Which file is commonly used to store hosting and environment settings for an ASP.NET Core app?

   1. appsettings.json
   2. readme.txt
   3. index.html
   4. launch.not

   Explanation: The 'appsettings.json' file is designed for configuration, including environment and hosting settings. 'index.html' is a webpage, not used for configuration. 'readme.txt' provides information but is not for app settings. 'launch.not' is not a standard file; it's a typo or fictitious file type. Thus, 'appsettings.json' is correct.

4. Built-in Web Server

   What is the name of the built-in cross-platform web server commonly used to host ASP.NET Core apps?

   1. Nestrel
   2. Kestrel
   3. Kettle
   4. Castrel

   Explanation: Kestrel is the correct built-in web server for ASP.NET Core, providing fast, cross-platform support. 'Kettle' and 'Castrel' are misspellings or similar-sounding but incorrect. 'Nestrel' is also not the proper name. Only 'Kestrel' is designed for ASP.NET Core hosting.

5. Reverse Proxy Servers

   Why might you use a reverse proxy server in front of an ASP.NET Core application?

   1. To directly compile C# code
   2. To generate JSON automatically
   3. To handle HTTPS termination and load balancing
   4. To manage database connections

   Explanation: A reverse proxy server is often used to terminate HTTPS traffic and distribute incoming requests (load balancing). Directly compiling C# code is not managed by a proxy. Automatic JSON generation is not a proxy function. Managing database connections is handled elsewhere in the stack. Thus, handling HTTPS and load balancing is most accurate.

6. Running in Production

   Which environment variable is typically set to configure an ASP.NET Core app to run in production mode?

   1. PRODUCTION123
   2. ENV_SETTER
   3. ASPNETCORE_ENVIRONMENT
   4. PROD_MODE

   Explanation: Setting the 'ASPNETCORE_ENVIRONMENT' variable lets you specify 'Production' mode for ASP.NET Core apps. 'PROD_MODE', 'PRODUCTION123', and 'ENV_SETTER' are not official variables recognized by the framework. While names might seem reasonable, only the correct answer is supported by the ASP.NET Core environment system.

7. Cross-Platform Support

   Which feature allows ASP.NET Core to be deployed and hosted on multiple operating systems such as Linux, macOS, and Windows?

   1. Cross-platform runtime
   2. Static networking
   3. Native compiler only
   4. Device lock

   Explanation: The cross-platform runtime enables ASP.NET Core to run on various operating systems. 'Native compiler only' would restrict applications to a single OS. 'Device lock' and 'Static networking' are not features relevant to hosting or deployment flexibility. Thus, 'cross-platform runtime' accurately reflects this critical aspect.

8. Application Initialization

   What is the primary purpose of the Program.cs file in an ASP.NET Core application?

   1. To configure the app and start the web host
   2. To list user accounts
   3. To manage database tables
   4. To store CSS styles

   Explanation: The Program.cs file contains the entry point and configuration for starting the web host in ASP.NET Core. It does not relate to CSS styling, which belongs in other files. Database management and user account lists are handled elsewhere in the application architecture. Configuring and starting the web host is its main purpose.

9. Hot Reload Availability

   Is hot reload typically used during development or in production deployment of ASP.NET Core apps?

   1. Neither
   2. Production
   3. Both
   4. Development

   Explanation: Hot reload is a feature aimed at accelerating development by reflecting code changes without restarting the server. It's not suitable for production due to stability and security concerns. Using hot reload in both or in production would contradict best practices. Therefore, 'development' is the correct answer.

10. Dependency Restore Command

    Which command is commonly used to restore dependencies before publishing an ASP.NET Core app?

    1. dotnet copy
    2. dotnet runall
    3. dotnet fetch
    4. dotnet restore

    Explanation: 'dotnet restore' ensures all dependencies are installed before publishing or building, making it essential in deployment workflows. 'dotnet fetch', 'dotnet runall', and 'dotnet copy' are not valid commands for restoring dependencies, though their names may sound plausible. Only 'dotnet restore' fulfills this function.