What is the "Browser File" in Visual Studio 2008 and why may we need it?

Question

While adding a new file in VS 2008 website, I found something called "Browser File". Does anyone know what is this, how to use and when to use?

Answer 1

These .browser files are Browser Definition File Schemas (browsers Element) (from the MSDN documentation):

Browser definition files contain definitions for individual browsers. At run time, ASP.NET uses the information in the request header to determine what type of browser has made the request. Then ASP.NET uses .browser files to determine the capabilities of the browser, and how to render markup to that browser.

This is useful to Web developers who want to create applications that can be viewed on mobile devices, making use of control adapters that adapt the behavior of an ASP.NET Web server control depending on the type of device. For more information, see the links in the See Also section.

Answer 2

The browser file defines the capabilities of a certain browser, can be used to change what markup that is transmitted to the client.

More info here.

Answer 3

It's also good to know that this file is still being updated as new mobile devices come out. You can get the latest version here: http://mdbf.codeplex.com/.

Answer 4

Regarding Mobile Device Browser File:

Due to the organizational restructuring of the team that developed and supported the Mobile Device Browser file, we will no longer have the resources to support and update this CodePlex project. The team will be providing two more releases – one on the 27th July 2010 and the final release on the 24th August 2010.

Answer 5

Instead of browser file use http://51degrees.codeplex.com/. It is an ASP.NET open source module which detects mobile devices and provides auto redirection to mobile optimized pages when request is coming from mobile device. It makes use of WURFL mobile device database. For redirection there is no need to modify existing ASP.NET web application pages.

Apart from this it also gives upto-date mobile capability information like manufacturer, model, screen height & width, image formats supported and MANY MORE...... which helps to customize pages for best mobile output.