Microsoft today announced the availability of WebMatrix, a free Web development tool designed to help website developers of all skill levels easily create, customize and publish websites to the Internet. WebMatrix is available today in nine languages and includes a set of tools to create new websites, using code provided through a variety of available templates or using existing free open source Web applications, such as WordPress, Joomla!, DotNetNuke and Umbraco.

Microsoft designed WebMatrix for anyone wanting to create a website. For students and new developers, WebMatrix provides a quick way to learn how to build websites; for Web agencies, it provides an efficient way to build websites using open source applications; and for the professional developer, it?s another option for quick and easy data-driven website development. Professional developers can also contribute to a directory of code published through NuGet, a free open source package management system, so others can benefit from their expertise.

WebMatrix provides the tools needed to run a website, including the Web server, database and Web frameworks. It suports multiple programming syntaxes, such as ASP.NET "Razor" or PHP, and Web helpers, which give a single line-of-code solution for complex coding tasks, such as inserting Twitter feeds or video. It also includes a search engine optimization reporting tool to help build search-friendly websites that are more discoverable to their users.

When a website is ready to be published, Web developers publish it to their own hosting provider or one available through WebMatrix. WebMatrix also includes a gallery of offerings from hosting providers that range in scalability and price based on users? needs.

The platform is available for download here