Dynamic Enum

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  • John Wright
    #1

    Dynamic Enum

    I have an enum based on a lookup table in my database. However, when a new
    item is added to the lookup table or one is removed, I have to modify the
    enum to match. Is there a way to dynamically load the enum when the class
    is instantiated? I was thinking a stored procedure to load it but can't
    figure out how to do this.

    John


    Tags: None
    • Samuel R. Neff
      #2
      Re: Dynamic Enum


      Enums are compile-time constants so you can't change them at runtime
      based on data. I would instead suggest using a pre-build script to
      regenerate the enum based on data or using a code-gen tool.

      If the table values can change at runtime, then it's probably not
      appropriate to be using an enum in the first place.

      HTH,

      Sam

      ------------------------------------------------------------
      We're hiring! B-Line Medical is seeking .NET
      Developers for exciting positions in medical product
      development in MD/DC. Work with a variety of technologies
      in a relaxed team environment. See ads on Dice.com.



      On Mon, 17 Sep 2007 15:33:52 -0600, "John Wright"
      <riley_wrightx@ hotmail.comwrot e:
      >I have an enum based on a lookup table in my database. However, when a new
      >item is added to the lookup table or one is removed, I have to modify the
      >enum to match. Is there a way to dynamically load the enum when the class
      >is instantiated? I was thinking a stored procedure to load it but can't
      >figure out how to do this.
      >
      >John
      >

        Comment

        • Bob Powell [MVP]
          #3
          Re: Dynamic Enum

          Rather than modifying the enum, which is a compiled thing, you should be
          populating your lookup table directly from the database using a request.

          I would use a datareader to get all the items in the table and then put them
          in a list of strings then bind the list to the column / dropdon , grid or
          whatever it is you're using to display the list.

          --
          --
          Bob Powell [MVP]
          Visual C#, System.Drawing

          Ramuseco Limited .NET consulting
          http://www.ramuseco.com


          Find great Windows Forms articles in Windows Forms Tips and Tricks
          http://www.bobpowell.net/tipstricks.htm


          Answer those GDI+ questions with the GDI+ FAQ
          http://www.bobpowell.net/faqmain.htm


          All new articles provide code in C# and VB.NET.
          Subscribe to the RSS feeds provided and never miss a new article.


          "John Wright" <riley_wrightx@ hotmail.comwrot e in message
          news:u1g1yJX%23 HHA.1168@TK2MSF TNGP02.phx.gbl. ..
          >I have an enum based on a lookup table in my database. However, when a new
          >item is added to the lookup table or one is removed, I have to modify the
          >enum to match. Is there a way to dynamically load the enum when the class
          >is instantiated? I was thinking a stored procedure to load it but can't
          >figure out how to do this.
          >
          John
          >

            Comment

            • John Wright
              #4
              Re: Dynamic Enum

              This is the route I am going to take. I was thinking an enum would be great
              based on table definitions. Not that they would change all that much, but
              the do change and I wanted to make sure my enum would capture that. Since I
              can't do this, I am going to just access the table directly. Thanks for the
              help.

              John
              "Bob Powell [MVP]" <bob@spamkiller bobpowell.netwr ote in message
              news:3550EF78-B241-480A-BE1E-E7D6B3FC301C@mi crosoft.com...
              Rather than modifying the enum, which is a compiled thing, you should be
              populating your lookup table directly from the database using a request.
              >
              I would use a datareader to get all the items in the table and then put
              them in a list of strings then bind the list to the column / dropdon ,
              grid or whatever it is you're using to display the list.
              >
              --
              --
              Bob Powell [MVP]
              Visual C#, System.Drawing
              >
              Ramuseco Limited .NET consulting
              http://www.ramuseco.com

              >
              Find great Windows Forms articles in Windows Forms Tips and Tricks
              http://www.bobpowell.net/tipstricks.htm

              >
              Answer those GDI+ questions with the GDI+ FAQ
              http://www.bobpowell.net/faqmain.htm

              >
              All new articles provide code in C# and VB.NET.
              Subscribe to the RSS feeds provided and never miss a new article.
              >
              >
              "John Wright" <riley_wrightx@ hotmail.comwrot e in message
              news:u1g1yJX%23 HHA.1168@TK2MSF TNGP02.phx.gbl. ..
              >>I have an enum based on a lookup table in my database. However, when a
              >>new item is added to the lookup table or one is removed, I have to modify
              >>the enum to match. Is there a way to dynamically load the enum when the
              >>class is instantiated? I was thinking a stored procedure to load it but
              >>can't figure out how to do this.
              >>
              >John
              >>
              >

                Comment

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