Understanding the SharePoint Server 2007 (MOSS) Content Structure/Architecture

A MOSS 2007 server is an ASP.NET 2.0 Web site. Pages are rendered via ASPX (ASP.NET Web Forms) files, typically. Each ASPX page is tied to a Master Page and a Page Layout. Master Pages dictate a consistent look throughout the SharePoint site, and Page Layouts dictate how the individual page looks. Master Pages and Page Layouts are stored in the Master Page and Page Layout Galleries. Each Page Layout is associated with a Content Type, which dictates what type of content a Page Layout will render. Three default, out-of-box Content Types exist: Page, Article Page, and Welcome Page. Each Content Type defines one or more Column Templates, which are columns, or fields, that store data pertaining to the type of content (per the Content Type). Column Templates define what type of controls are assigned to data colums (such as DropDownList, Label, Picture, or TextBox controls).

| ASPX Page |----------------> Master Page |----------------> Page Layout ---> Content Type --> Column Templates