Robust typed ViewData for intricate object storage

Question

Robust typed ViewData for intricate object storage

I am currently developing an ASP.NET MVC system where users can click on an ajax link to open a window with a complex flow. In order to simplify management of this intricate process, I created a ViewModel to handle the complexity. However, due to the nature of the procedure, this ViewModel has become quite elaborate.

There are scenarios where anywhere from one to five windows may appear asking various questions based on several conditions, such as the time the link was clicked, the user's identity, the schedule associated with their account, and previous responses in the flow.

The challenge lies in dealing with a complex object that cannot be easily handled using @Html.HiddenFor(o=>o.XXX). After exploring alternatives, it seems that TempData is the only viable option. However, I prefer working with strongly typed View Models rather than dynamic object types.

Given this scenario, what would be the most effective approach to tackle this issue?

ajax asp.net-mvc

Answer 1

Answer №1

Using Session or TempData in certain cases can be useful, and it is possible to make them somewhat strongly typed contrary to common belief. Although they may not be as structured as viewmodels, using extension methods can help avoid messy keychain situations.

Instead of the typical method shown below:

TempData["NestedVariable1"] = someObject;
...
var someObject = TempData["NestedVariable1"] as CustomType;

It is possible to create extension methods to manage these variables, keeping the keys and casting encapsulated within them.

public static class ComplexFlowExtensions
{
    private static string Nv1Key = "temp_data_key";

    public static void NestedVariable1(this TempData tempData, CustomType value)
    {
        // store the value in temp data
        tempData[Nv1Key] = value;
    }

    public static CustomType NestedVariable1(this TempData tempData)
    {
        // retrieve the value from temp data
        return tempData[Nv1Key] as CustomType;
    }
}

This allows for easy reading and writing of these values in both controllers and views like so:

TempData.NestedVariable1(someObject);
...
var someObject = TempData.NestedVariable1();

A similar approach can be used with Session as well. Instead of storing individual scalar values separately, you can store entire nested object graphs in a variable. Alternatively, you could serialize the data to JSON before storing it, then deserialize when retrieving it. Overall, this method is cleaner than cluttering your view's form with numerous hidden fields.

Answer 2

Using Session or TempData in certain cases can be useful, and it is possible to make them somewhat strongly typed contrary to common belief. Although they may not be as structured as viewmodels, using extension methods can help avoid messy keychain situations.

Instead of the typical method shown below:

TempData["NestedVariable1"] = someObject;
...
var someObject = TempData["NestedVariable1"] as CustomType;

It is possible to create extension methods to manage these variables, keeping the keys and casting encapsulated within them.

public static class ComplexFlowExtensions
{
    private static string Nv1Key = "temp_data_key";

    public static void NestedVariable1(this TempData tempData, CustomType value)
    {
        // store the value in temp data
        tempData[Nv1Key] = value;
    }

    public static CustomType NestedVariable1(this TempData tempData)
    {
        // retrieve the value from temp data
        return tempData[Nv1Key] as CustomType;
    }
}

This allows for easy reading and writing of these values in both controllers and views like so:

TempData.NestedVariable1(someObject);
...
var someObject = TempData.NestedVariable1();

A similar approach can be used with Session as well. Instead of storing individual scalar values separately, you can store entire nested object graphs in a variable. Alternatively, you could serialize the data to JSON before storing it, then deserialize when retrieving it. Overall, this method is cleaner than cluttering your view's form with numerous hidden fields.

Robust typed ViewData for intricate object storage

Answer №1

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