Is it possible to use pre-generated keys with the entity framework.

1. Retrive a generated key.

2. Create an entity(Contact for example), set the key value to the generated key, then save.

I need the OnCreate and OnBeforeInsert events to fire which is why Im not just inserting the record into the datbase with the generated key value. 

Hi Matthew,

What method are you using to import the new record? If you are calling to the framework your associated entity events should fire. IF you are trying to push them in via SQL or such, they will not.

Carla

Im using a business rule.

The problem im having is being able to create a new entity with the framework and setting its Id property. Its read only. Was looking for a work around if one existed.

OK, let me make sure I understand what you are saying.  You will be *inside* of SalesLogix while creating a new record, but you don't want to use the UID generation provided with SalesLogix, nor the Insert method?  Is that correct?

Are you using pre-generated SLX numbers?  If you are trying to provide your own UID; I would strongly recommend against it.  There are a number of underpinnings in the product that could get completely out of whack.

When you said "Insert method" in your last post, do you mean a sql insert or a method in the framework named "Insert"?

If sql insert, then thats not an option since events want fire. 

Short story:

Writing a disconnected client that primarly uses sdata. We generate a sage formatted key with its on site code. However, sdata does not support sending a key during creation. Next though was to use a business rule to do the creation.

OK, now that we have cleared up what type of insert you are trying to accomplish, I am wondering why you aren't using the disconnected client to do the work for you.  It will handle all of that (site code included) and fire the required rules when it sends data up.  I think I am missing something else here as recreating the record and sending it via sdata is a redundant process. 

Can you please let us know why you are doing this so we can help figure out the best method for you to use?

My fault on lack of info. 

This is a custom disconnected client without sage installed on the device. 

The SalesLogix application is not installed on the device. Its sort of mimicing a disconnected client. The part I'm working on is the syncronization. This is also on a very small scale. Only a couple of entities.

Thanks for the replys so far. 

Quote: Originally posted by Matthew Arnold Is it possible to use pre-generated keys with the entity framework.   1. Retrive a generated key. 2. Create an entity(Contact for example), set the key value to the generated key, then save.   I need the OnCreate and OnBeforeInsert events to fire which is why Im not just inserting the record into the datbase with the generated key value.

Try this if it helps

                        Dim PregenKey

                        PregenKey =  Application.BasicFunctions.GetIDFor("C_My_Table_Name")

Comment: "C_My_Table_Name" being the name of the table

Ok, and the reason you don't want to use sData insert is because you wan tyour pregenerated keys to have a particular sitecode in the key, is that correct or is there another reason you want your pregenerated keys?

Hey Matthew,

Sadly, neither the entity framework or SData allow you to specify the ID for the record you are creating. This can be a huge pain at times. For me this is usually because I want to do things with the record ID before the actual record gets created (like create a pretty key). Instead I usually rearrage my workflow so I create the record, then get the key and do whatever I needed to do with it. Sadly, though, if you're wanting to specify some custom ID value to use, this won't work on an update either. Only way to do it is using a business rule that bypasses the entiy framework and updates the SQL table directly with the custom ID value (easy enough to do using the DataService).

Ryan

Hey Ryan,

Thanks for the reply.

I had a feeling this was going to be the answer, but wanted to hear from the experts.

Thanks