Build your user interface and database dynamically, what's the best approach?

Question

I have a requirement to make the application extensible and reusable, I must create a condition by which the user can provide the structure of the business object (fields, their types, etc.) through an XML file and use this structure of the user interface (i.e. controls and a full page), data update methods (CRUD) and databases (i.e., Tables and SP) can be automatically generated dynamically to serve a business object.

I only heard about the Entity infrastructure, LINQ, etc., but I don’t know if they will help in achieving what I want.

Any suggestions or recommendations on how to approach this project goal would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you, ton!

Answer 1

Turn off the backlight: http://www.microsoft.com/visualstudio/en-us/lightswitch

Answer 2

You can take a look at ASP.NET Dynamic Data . It still requires you to provide it with an Entity Framework model, but you can dynamically generate the model using the EdmGen.exe tool.

Here is some information about each ... Follow the links in more detail.

ASP.NET Dynamic Data

ASP.NET Dynamic Data provides a framework that enables you to quickly create a functional, data-driven application based on the LINQ to SQL or Entity Framework data model. It also adds great flexibility and functionality to the DetailsView, FormView, GridView, and ListView controls in the form of smart validation and the ability to easily change the display of these controls using templates.

EdmGen.exe

EdmGen.exe is a command-line tool used to work with the Entity Framework model and mapping files. You can use the EdmGen.exe tool to do the following:

• Connect to the data source using the .NET Framework data provider specific to the data source and create the conceptual model (.csdl), memory model (.ssdl), and mapping (.msl) files that are used by the Entity Framework. For more information, see How to. Using EdmGen.exe to create model and mapping files.

• Validate existing model. For more information, see How to. Using EdmGen.exe to verify the model and display files.

• Create a C # or Visual Basic code file that contains object classes created from a concept model file (.csdl). For more information, see How to. Using EdmGen.exe to generate object level code.

• Create a C # or Visual Basic code file containing pre-generated views for an existing model. For more information, see How to. Pre-generation of views to improve query performance.

Answer 3

commercial product: Enterprise Elements Repository