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DNN Blog
Aug
19
Posted by:
Michael Washington
8/19/2009
A new free DNN Module builder has been released by Patrick Driscoll. You can see a video of the module here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xxqDXPWbZeU
The basic workflow of the program is described here:
How to use DNNBuilda
1. Enter your company name in the Company Name field.
2. Enter your name in the Author field.
3. Choose a namespace and class name in the next fields.
4. To begin creating a module from an existing table, click the button beside the Table Name field.
The "Choose SQL Table" dialog now appears.
5. Paste the connection string from your DNN web.config file and press "Connect". Check the box to
re-use this connection string for other sessions.
The list box of tables now populates with choices.
6. Pick the table you want to use and then press "OK".
The grid is now populated with fields.
7. Check to make sure your field mappings are correct. Verify that you have a primary key (PK) defined,
and mappings for create (C), read (R), update (U), delete (D), and list (L).
8. Choose the control types you would like your fields to be bound to in the generated code.
9. Enter any custom captions, field help messages or validator message that you would like.
If you do not enter anything for captions or field attributes, defaults will be filled in.
10. Click the button next to the Root DNN Path field & choose the root directory of your DNN installation.
If you want the application to remember your choice, click the "Remember" checkbox.
11. Click "Generate Code". All of the files for your module will now be created in app_code and desktopmodules.
12. Click "Generate SQL". The SQL code window now appears. If you opted to remember your table from earlier,
the connection string will be filled out for you. Click "Run Script" to generate all your SQL objects.
13. Open the DNN solution in visual studio. Your files are now part of the project. Be sure and correct any TODO:
section in the generated code.
14. Run DNN and import the manifest file that was created for your module.
Now you have a basic prototype with a view and edit definition!
You can download the program here:
dnnbuilda.codeplex.com/
8 comment(s) so far...
Re: DNNBuilda
Sourceforge? Really? Does he not know about Codeplex?
By Chris Hammond on
8/19/2009
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Re: DNNBuilda
@ Chris - Yeah I know I saw that and said the same thing. But hey we're just going to encourage him to continue with the project and eventually he will end up on CodePlex.com :)
By Michael Washington on
8/19/2009
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Re: DNNBuilda
I was so focused on releasing something that I totally forgot about CodePlex. I'm VERY impressed with the ease-of-use and Wiki functionality as compared to SourceForge. dnnbuilda.codeplex.com/ is open for business, if you'd like to change the link :)
Thanks so much for helping the project get started!
By DriscollArt on
8/19/2009
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Re: DNNBuilda
perfect, great work Patrick
By Chris Hammond on
8/20/2009
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Re: DNNBuilda
I think this is going to be a good starting tool, my only complaint is the use of the WSP model, but I'm not going to start that discussion again.
Great contributions Patrick!
By Mitch Sellers on
8/20/2009
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Re: DNNBuilda
@Mitch...
He provides the source code for you to download and modify ;-)
Thanks Patrick!
By Chuck Rizzio on
8/20/2009
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Re: DNNBuilda
For those looking for a quick way to get a module start this look like a very cool module. Cannot wait to try it out on a module I have been thinking about creating. I do agree that if it gave the user the option of creating a WSP or WAP based module it would be a "killer" module.
By Shawn Mehaffie on
8/20/2009
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new features & video
Hi everyone,
I've just released version 0.0.0.2 on CodePlex. It's got the ability to implement IPortable. Here's another demo video showcasing the improved functionality.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=fZBM6OzQcrs
Thanks,
Patrick
By DriscollArt on
8/24/2009
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