How can I add comments to my templates?
Template comments can be added using the <%- -%>tokens.
How can I create a property that has a drop-down of values to choose from?
Use a script block to define an enumerated property.
How can I prevent ASP.NET tags from confusing my templates?
Properly escape them using ASP.NET tags.
How can I declare a constant in my template?
Constants must be declared inside <script runat="template"> tags.
<script runat="template"> private const string MY_CONST = "example"; </script>
How can I debug my templates?
You can compile your templates in debug mode and set breakpoints in them.
How can I add a property that lets me select a folder?
Decorate the property with the FolderNameEditor attribute.
How can I use sub-templates?
CodeSmith Generator includes a full API to let you make use of sub-templates.
What assemblies and namespaces are loaded by default into a template?
Assemblies:
- System
- System.Core
- System.Xml
- System.Data
- System.Drawing
- System.Design
- Microsoft.VisualBasic
- System.Windows.Forms
- CodeSmith.Engine
- CodeSmith.Core
Namespaces:
- System
- System.Data
- System.Diagnostics
- System.ComponentModel
- Microsoft.VisualBasic
- CodeSmith.Engine
Is it possible to determine whether a column is an identity column using SchemaExplorer?
Yes, use the CS_IsIdentity property.
Is it possible to determine a column's default value using SchemaExplorer?
Yes, use the CS_Default property.
<%
foreach(ColumnSchema cs in SourceTable.Columns)
{
if (cs.ExtendedProperties["CS_Default"] != null)
{
Response.WriteLine(cs.ExtendedProperties["CS_Default"].Value);
}
}
%>
How can I enumerate the input and output parameters of a stored procedure using SchemaExplorer?
The CommandSchema object contains both input and output parameter collections which can be used to read these parameters.
What if my template contains non-ASCII characters?
You can use the ResponseEncoding attribute of the CodeTemplate directive to set the encoding for the template.