I've written an ASP.NET control that can autogenerate a form based on a single Entity generated from LLBL. The control handles everything from producing the form to persisting the form data back to the datasource (Entity).

To Include the grid in a form you just put:

<PowerUI:EntityDataGrid id="dgUser" runat="server" width="450px"></PowerUI:EntityDataGrid>

to populate the grid just do this:

ViewState["CachedUser"] = new UserEntity(1);
dgUser.DataSourceEntity =  (UserEntity)ViewState["CachedUser"];
dgUser.DataBind();

to save the data back to the database just do this:

dgUser.DataSourceEntity = UserCached;
dgUser.UpdateDataSource();
CachedUser.Save();

The control tracks view state and so is able to postback without losing any changes even if you don't persist to the datasource immediately. I'll probably sell a bigger, fatter version of this at some point (for a ** small** amount, enough to eat at McDonals ), but I wanted to see anyone is interested and if anyone is interested in testing a Beta version.

Also, does anyone know of other ASP.NET controls that will work like this (simple/quick) that cost less than $100? I looked around but didn't really find anything....

Josh

whoa sounds like a very powerfull control, Josh

Excellent for maintenance screens for tables. A word of warning: caching an entity is fine, but keep in mind that other threads of other users can change the entity in the persistent storage, which can cause concurrency errors, if you do not want that.

I'd be very interested in trying your control out. Let me know how to get it and I will let you know my findings.

Very nice and handy!

Is this 'free' version already available? where can we download and test this control?

Thanks

Marco

Regarding, "Where can I get it": The control currently only exists only on my computer system However, Frans is working on building a "tools" section on the site for customers and I will be posting to that location when it is completed. In the meantime I will have a download site up in a couple days where you can obtain the control. I will post the URL to forum when it is ready...

Regarding, "How much does it cost": The short answer is FREE. The goal is to eventually sell the control (for a small amount), but for now this version will be free...

Sounds very interesting aa7im will you be including the source code in your download?

Since I plan to sell the control at some point I will probably not include source code with this release. The first release of this will be a Beta version and I will give away free licenses to any Beta tester upon final release of the product....

...

Hi,

I'm also interested in this... Thanks mgf@mgf.com.uy

Ok... The control is available for download at:

http://www.musicsteps.com/joshsoftware

You will need to sign up for an account and then email me your UserName. The first 10 users to send me there username will be the official Beta Testers for this control. When I receive the email with your username I will add you to the (Beta Test Role) and then you'll be able to download the control from the site...

I tried to register, but i receive this emailmessage:

Delivery to the following recipients failed.

<emailaddress>

Thanks

Marco

Hi,

I have registered as mgf but can't find you email so I'm letting you now through here.

Thanks,

Miguel

Thanks... The email errors you were receiving should be gone now...

Where is your email address??

My email address was hidden on my profile. Click on my name in this forum and it will show you my email address... Thanks...