Razor Pages vs MVC

Comparison

Aspect	Razor Pages	MVC
Organization	Page-focused (1 page = 1 feature)	Controller-focused (1 controller = many actions)
Files	.cshtml + .cshtml.cs	Controller.cs + View.cshtml
Routing	Convention-based (folder structure)	Attribute or route config
Complexity	Simpler, less boilerplate	More complex, more flexible
Best For	CRUD, forms, simple pages	Complex apps, APIs, shared logic
Learning Curve	Easier	Steeper

Code Comparison

Razor Pages

public class IndexModel : PageModel
{
    public List<Product> Products { get; set; } = new();

    public async Task OnGetAsync()
    {
        Products = await _context.Products.ToListAsync();
    }
}

@page
@model IndexModel

<h1>Products</h1>
@foreach (var p in Model.Products)
{
    <p>@p.Name</p>
}

MVC

public class ProductsController : Controller
{
    public async Task<IActionResult> Index()
    {
        var products = await _context.Products.ToListAsync();
        return View(products);
    }
}

@model List<Product>

<h1>Products</h1>
@foreach (var p in Model)
{
    <p>@p.Name</p>
}

When to Use Razor Pages

✅ Choose Razor Pages For:

• Simple CRUD apps: Product catalog, blog, admin panel
• Form-heavy apps: Contact forms, surveys, registration
• Page-focused scenarios: Each page is independent
• Beginners: Easier to learn and understand
• Small to medium apps: Less boilerplate code
• Rapid prototyping: Faster development

When to Use MVC

✅ Choose MVC For:

• RESTful APIs: Use Web API controllers
• Complex routing: Custom routing patterns
• Shared logic: Multiple actions with common code
• Large enterprise apps: Better separation of concerns
• Existing MVC apps: Maintain consistency
• Team preference: Team familiar with MVC pattern

Mixing Both Approaches

You can use both Razor Pages and MVC in the same application!

var builder = WebApplication.CreateBuilder(args);

// Add both services
builder.Services.AddControllersWithViews(); // MVC
builder.Services.AddRazorPages();              // Razor Pages

var app = builder.Build();

// Map both endpoints
app.MapControllerRoute(
    name: "default",
    pattern: "{controller=Home}/{action=Index}/{id?}");

app.MapRazorPages();

app.Run();

Example Use Case

• Razor Pages: Admin panel, user profile pages
• MVC: Public-facing pages, API endpoints

Migration Considerations

MVC to Razor Pages

MVC	Razor Pages
Controller action	Handler method (OnGet/OnPost)
View(model)	Page() with properties
RedirectToAction	RedirectToPage
asp-controller/asp-action	asp-page

Best Practices

• Choose based on needs: Not one-size-fits-all
• Consistency: Stick to one approach per feature area
• Start simple: Use Razor Pages, migrate to MVC if needed
• Mix when beneficial: Use both if it makes sense
• Team decision: Consider team expertise

Key Takeaways

• Razor Pages: Simpler, page-focused, great for CRUD
• MVC: More complex, controller-focused, better for large apps
• Both are valid: Choose based on your needs
• Can mix: Use both in the same application
• Razor Pages = easier learning curve
• MVC = more flexibility