Automatically create an Enum based on values in a

Question

How do I automatically create an enum and subsequently use its values in C# based on values in a database lookup table (using enterprise library data layer)?

For example, If I add a new lookup value in the database, I don't want to have to manually add the extra static enum value declaration in code - I'd like to keep the enum in sync with the database.

Is there such a thing as this?

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I don't want to create a code generated static enum (as per The Code Project article Enum Code Generator - Generating enum code automatically from database look up tables) and would prefer it to be completely automatic.

Answer 1

Using dynamic enums is bad no matter which way. You will have to go through the trouble of "duplicating" the data to ensure clear and easy code easy to maintain in the future.

If you start introducing automatic generated libraries, you are for sure causing more confusion to future developers having to upgrade your code than simply making your enum coded within the appropriate class object.

The other examples given sound nice and exciting, but think about the overhead on code maintenance versus what you get from it. Also, are those values going to change that frequently?

Answer 2

You want System.Web.Compilation.BuildProvider

I also doubt the wisdom of doing this, but then there maybe a good use case that I can't think of.

What you're looking for are Build Providers i.e. System.Web.Compilation.BuildProvider

They're used very effectively by SubSonic, you can download the source and see how they use them, you won't need anything half as intricate as what they're doing.

Hope this helps.