Also see:

Using Web Application Projects (WAP) for using Visual Studio (Not Visual Web Developer). This will allow you to make modules that compile into a single assembly (.dll).

I do not recommend that beginners use this because many people become frustrated with configuration issues. However WAP is there for those who desire it.

The problem is you have to use the DotNetNuke source with WAP. You must have the full version of Visual Studio 2005 to use the Source version (you also have to build it first). You must set it up according to these directions DNN Source Installation .

An antidote that I like to use is how when we started the first DNN User Group we only a few people have ever created a DotNetNuke module. When I asked how many wanted to make DotNetNuke modules they all said they wanted to. This is a group of programmers who otherwise know how to program.

I feel that the prevailing attitude was that programmers who were unable to create DotNetNuke modules were programmers who just were not good enough. Now we work hard to make DotNetNuke easier to use.

• The Core created the DAL+
• The Core created the Starter Kit and automatic setup using SQL Server Express

I believe that we now have thousands of people creating modules now because they use these tools. After nearly 1000 posts on asp.net and 700 here I feel that the extra steps needed to configure the source version of DotNetNuke causes over half of the people who try it to become frustrated and give up.

This is why I continue to suggest that beginners start with using the install version first. When they feel comfortable then move to WAP.