Initialize Entity Properties

• May 07, 2025
• 2 minutes to read

This lesson explains how to initialize properties in the newly created entity instances.

The steps below show how to add a Priority property to the DemoTask class and how to initialize the property value. For DemoTask class implementation code, see the following lesson: Set a Many-to-Many Relationship.

Note

Before you proceed, take a moment to review the previous lessons:

• Implement a Data Model: Basics
• Configure a Many-to-Many Relationship

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Add the Priority property to the DemoTask class and declare the Priority enumeration:

   namespace MySolution.Module.BusinessObjects {
       //...
       public class DemoTask : BaseObject {
           //...
           public virtual Priority Priority { get; set; }
       }
   
       public enum Priority {
           Low = 0,
           Normal = 1,
           High = 2
       }
   }
   

2. Use the code below to initialize the newly added Priority property when you create a DemoTask object:

   public class DemoTask : BaseObject {
       //..
       public override void OnCreated() {
           Priority = Priority.Normal;
       }
       //...
   }
   

3. Run the application.

   Create a new Task object. In the Task detail view, the Priority field value is Normal, as you declared in the code above.

   ASP.NET Core Blazor

   

   Windows Forms

   

   Note that XAF generates a combo box for the Priority property. The combo box items are the enumeration values you declared in step 1.

   ASP.NET Core Blazor

   

   Windows Forms

   

Next Lesson

Implement Dependent Reference Properties