dotnet windows forms: How can I build an app that can have Add-on built for it?? -- dotnet windows forms

How can I build an app that can have Add-on built for it??

iKiLL
1/30/2007 11:03:11 AM

dotnet windows forms:

Hi All,

As the subject suggests.

I am attempting to build a C# application from with in VS2005 that can have
add ons built for it to give it additional functionality.

It will be a Windows Mobile 5 application using CF2.0.

I know this might be a tall order but I was hoping some on could point me in
the right direction.

My problem is I can not even imagine where to begin. I have never done
anything like this before, where on application uses Add-ons developed buy
some one else.

If any one has an example application for me to learn from I would be much
appreciated.

What I am looking to achieve.

I would like a shell of a CRM application that sits on the PDA.

It can control things like Contact Management and Data Syncing.

Then depending what extras a client would like / afford as an Add-on
ie(Auditing, Sales, Tickets) can all be developed and install individually.

With out affecting the base system but still being able to syncing the new
data.

I have been looking into SQL CE and different ways of synchronizing and I
think I might go with something like RDA.

But I am not sure if it is going to be possible to even achieve what I want
with add-ons.

Any ideas or guidance is most welcome.

Thanks heaps,

ink

Re: How can I build an app that can have Add-on built for it??

Neil Cowburn
1/30/2007 11:56:31 AM

Use a plugin architecture. Define an interface that the plugins *must*
implement and then code your app against the interface.

Take a look at the URL below for more info and an example. It's not a device
app, but the principle still applies.

http://www.scratchprojects.com/2006/03/building_a_plugin_architecture_p01.php

--
Neil Cowburn
Principal Partner
OpenNETCF Consulting, LLC.

http://www.opennetcf.com/

[quoted text, click to view]

Re: How can I build an app that can have Add-on built for it??

iKiLL
1/30/2007 12:35:59 PM

Thank you very much Neil

It looks like just what i am looking for.

I have also come across 2 more links that might help.
I am still reading them but for anyone else interested here you go.

http://blogs.msdn.com/clraddins/

http://msdn.microsoft.com/msdnmag/issues/07/02/CLRInsideOut/default.aspx

ink

[quoted text, click to view]

Got something to say? Click here to post a reply to this thread.

Don't see what you're looking for? Try a search.

View other messages in the dotnet windows forms group.