Classic ASP – Examples – Real-World Code for Learning and Practice

Introduction – Why Learn by Example?

Learning Classic ASP is easier when you see real-world examples in action. These code snippets demonstrate common tasks like writing output, handling forms, using conditionals, and working with sessions or includes. If you’re maintaining or modernizing legacy systems, these examples will boost your understanding and productivity.

In this guide, you’ll learn:

• Practical Classic ASP examples for core features
• Inline and block-level VBScript usage
• Reusable code patterns for web development
• Real browser output and behavioral explanations

Example 1 – Display Dynamic Output

<%
Dim message
message = "Welcome to Classic ASP!"
Response.Write message
%>

Output:
Welcome to Classic ASP!

Example 2 – HTML + Inline ASP Expression

<%
Dim username
username = "Vaibhav"
%>
<p>Hello, <%= username %></p>

Output:
Hello, Vaibhav

Example 3 – If...Then...Else Conditional

<%
Dim age
age = 20

If age >= 18 Then
    Response.Write "You are an adult."
Else
    Response.Write "You are underage."
End If
%>

Output:
You are an adult.

Example 4 – Loop Through an Array

<%
Dim colors, color
colors = Array("Red", "Green", "Blue")

For Each color In colors
    Response.Write color & "<br>"
Next
%>

Output:

Red  
Green  
Blue

Example 5 – Handle a Simple HTML Form

HTML Form

<form method="post" action="submit.asp">
  Name: <input type="text" name="username">
  <input type="submit" value="Submit">
</form>

submit.asp

<%
Dim name
name = Request.Form("username")
Response.Write "Hello, " & name
%>

Output when user inputs “Alex”:
Hello, Alex

Example 6 – Simple Function to Add Two Numbers

<%
Function Add(a, b)
    Add = a + b
End Function

Response.Write "Result: " & Add(5, 7)
%>

Output:
Result: 12

Example 7 – Using Sessions

<%
Session("username") = "admin"
Response.Write "Logged in as: " & Session("username")
%>

Output:
Logged in as: admin

Example 8 – Include Header/Footer

header.asp

<h1>My Site</h1><hr>

footer.asp

<hr><p>© 2025 My Classic ASP Site</p>

index.asp

<!--#include file="header.asp"-->
<p>Welcome to the homepage!</p>
<!--#include file="footer.asp"-->

Output:

My Site
---------------
Welcome to the homepage!
---------------
© 2025 My Classic ASP Site

Example 9 – Select Case Statement

<%
Dim role
role = "editor"

Select Case role
    Case "admin"
        Response.Write "Full access"
    Case "editor"
        Response.Write "Edit access"
    Case Else
        Response.Write "Read-only access"
End Select
%>

Output:
Edit access

Best Practices from These Examples

Do:

• Use Response.Write to output dynamic values
• Combine logic and HTML where appropriate
• Modularize using functions and includes

Avoid:

• Inline script overload in UI-heavy pages
• Skipping Option Explicit in large codebases
• Using global state for user-specific data

Summary – Recap & Next Steps

These Classic ASP examples provide a hands-on view of VBScript in action, covering essential tasks such as output rendering, form handling, logic control, and code reuse. Whether you’re learning or maintaining legacy projects, practice these often.

Key Takeaways:

• Use <%= %> for inline expressions and <% %> for logic blocks
• Request objects help you capture user input easily
• Sessions and includes boost interactivity and modularity

Real-world Use Cases:

• Building login systems
• Displaying user content dynamically
• Creating shared site layouts (header/footer)

FAQs – Classic ASP Examples

Can I use these examples in production?
Yes, but always sanitize inputs and add error handling for production use.

Do these examples require IIS?
Yes. Classic ASP must run on Internet Information Services (IIS) to execute server-side VBScript.

Are these examples compatible with modern browsers?
Yes. Classic ASP outputs standard HTML, which is browser-agnostic.