ASP.NET Core Interview Question #110

What is an action method?

Routing, Controllers & Model Binding Mid-Level Intermediate

Quick Interview Answer

An action method is a public controller method that can be selected by routing to handle an HTTP request.

Detailed Explanation

An action method is a public controller method that can be selected by routing to handle an HTTP request.

Actions typically receive bound input values, call application services, and return IActionResult, ActionResult<T>, a specific result type, or another supported return value.

Methods that should not be considered actions can be marked with NonAction. Keeping actions small makes controllers easier to test and maintain.

Code Example

public class ProductsController : Controller
{
    [HttpGet]
    public IActionResult Details(int id)
    {
        return View();
    }

    [NonAction]
    public string BuildTitle() => "Products";
}