ASP.NET MVC - Dynamic Forms Validation

Question

I'm in the process of upgrading an ASP.NET WebForms application to ASP.NET MVC. One of the features on the existing application is it has a dynamic form generator. Each form has steps (using the wizard control that are dynamically added in the Wizard_Init event) and validation (using the validation controls).

I already have some static MVC forms where I use data annotation attributes on my model properties and then use the in-built unobtrusive validation to validate the form.

Now say I have the following model:

public class Form {
    public string Name { get; set; }
    public IList<Step> Steps { get; set; }
}

public class Step {
    public string Name { get; set; }
    public IList<Field> Fields { get; set; }
}

public class Field {
    public string Name { get; set; }
    public bool IsRequired { get; set; }
}

Obviously the fields are dynamic so I can't use the data annotation attributes. Also I only wish to validate each step. One option I thought was to render all the steps within the form and show/hide the appropriate step using javascript as they click next/previous. But again I can't see how I can add validation to this. Another option is to load in each step using Ajax but again I'm struggling with this concept.

I'd really appreciate it if someone could help. Ideally I'd like advice on the best way to achieve this rather than linking to an old third party library unless it has been built since ASP.NET MVC 3. Thanks

add some view code to edit it for u and add dynamic validation to it for you. — JC Lizard
– JC Lizard, Commented Nov 15, 2013 at 23:38

Gecko · Accepted Answer · 2013-11-15 22:50:34Z

0

I think the best thing to do in your case is to create your own validation script. Its not hard, nor complex and you can address only the things necessary. So in my opinion just use js to hide, show and validate by your own script. (Just only validate the not hidden fields. )

answered Nov 15, 2013 at 22:50

Gecko

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2 Comments

nfplee Over a year ago

Thanks I can see how this can work. I'm guessing I would have to render the entire form and then use javascript to hide/show the appropriate steps.

Gecko Over a year ago

That is possible. You can also just do in html code inline styling(style="display:none;"), which is not that pretty but way more performant

JC Lizard · Accepted Answer · 2013-11-15 23:27:38Z

0

If the fields are dynamic, doesnt mean you cannot have validation.

you can make validation dynamic, by breaking models down into smaller pieces and add validation to each smaller model.

answered Nov 15, 2013 at 23:27

JC Lizard

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1 Comment

nfplee Over a year ago

Thanks but I can't see how this works as the models are effectively dynamic.

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