In an ASP.NET web application, how can you send an email message from a web page using the .NET Framework classes and an SMTP server?

Introduction / Context:
Many ASP.NET web applications need to send email, for example for account confirmation, password reset, notifications, or contact forms. The .NET Framework includes built in classes for constructing and sending email messages through an SMTP server. Understanding the basic steps to send an email from an ASP.NET page is essential for implementing these features in a secure and reliable way.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The application runs on a server that can reach an SMTP server either on the local network or on the internet.
• The developer has or can configure SMTP settings such as host name, port, and credentials.
• ASP.NET code can access the System.Net.Mail namespace to work with email related classes.
• The question asks for the general procedure to send an email from an ASP.NET page.

Concept / Approach:
To send email from ASP.NET, you typically use the MailMessage and SmtpClient classes in the System.Net.Mail namespace. The MailMessage class represents an email message and includes properties for From, To, Subject, Body, and optional attachments. The SmtpClient class represents a mail server and exposes a Send method that transmits the message over SMTP. SMTP configuration can be set in code or read from configuration files such as web.config, which allows administrators to change server details without recompiling the application.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Import System.Net.Mail into your ASP.NET page or code behind file. Step 2: Create a new MailMessage instance and set its From address, one or more To recipients, the Subject line, and the Body content. Optionally, set IsBodyHtml to true if you are sending HTML content. Step 3: Configure an SmtpClient instance with the SMTP host, port, and any required credentials or SSL settings. These can come from configuration. Step 4: Call the Send or SendMailAsync method on SmtpClient, passing the MailMessage instance to transmit the email message through the SMTP server. Step 5: Handle exceptions to detect failures and log or display appropriate messages without exposing sensitive details to end users.

Verification / Alternative check:
If you implement these steps in an ASP.NET application and provide correct SMTP settings, you can test by submitting a form that triggers the email sending code. The message should appear in the recipient inbox, and server logs should show successful SMTP communication. Official .NET documentation and many tutorials follow this same pattern, confirming that the MailMessage plus SmtpClient approach is the standard way to send email from ASP.NET.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option B is wrong because HTML comments are not processed or sent as email by browsers or servers. Option C incorrectly assumes that ViewState has anything to do with email sending; ViewState is used for state management on the page. Option D is incorrect because client side JavaScript cannot directly send email through SMTP without server support and configuration. Option E misuses the web.config file and does not involve any of the .NET mail classes or SMTP protocol.

Common Pitfalls:
A common pitfall is hard coding SMTP credentials or server addresses directly into source code instead of using configuration, which makes maintenance difficult and can expose secrets. Another mistake is not handling exceptions from Send, which can result in silent failures. Developers sometimes also send large attachments without considering size limits, or they attempt to send email synchronously in a performance critical request, causing slow responses. Following a structured pattern with MailMessage, SmtpClient, and proper configuration helps build robust and secure email features in ASP.NET applications.

Final Answer:
By creating a MailMessage object, configuring its sender, recipients, subject, and body, and then using an SmtpClient or similar SMTP class to send the message through a configured mail server