What are controllers, actions, views, and view components

Short answer: Controller: Handles HTTP requests. Action Method: A method in the controller that returns a result (like a view or JSON). View: .cshtml file that renders HTML. View Component: Reusable mini-views with logic (like partials but with code-behind).

Real-world example (ShopNest)

A ShopNest checkout request flows through middleware, hits a minimal API or controller, uses scoped services, and returns ProblemDetails on errors.

Say this in the interview

1. Define — one clear sentence (the short answer above).
2. Example — relate it to a project like ShopNest or your real work.
3. Trade-off — when you would not use it.