C# dynamic classes at run-time?

Question

First, I am not talking about the new 'dynamic' keyword n C# 4.0. :) I believe I need to go the other way...

I want a class, at code/design-time, that is generated from a set of XML files, or files/folder combinations, etc. Anything I can do with a change to the extern source.

Is this possible with C#? I know it is possible with some design-time compliation of some hidden class name or something (i.e. the built in Properties for each project).

Is there an easier way to do this? ALmost like a dynamic enum? Here's what I am trying to do:

public static class MenuItems
{
}

And at design-time, I want the properties (or methods/fields, if that's easier) added based on an XML file definition. Like:

<MenuItems>
  <Item>Homepage</Item>
  <Item>Portfolio</Item>
  <Item>About</Item>
  <Item>Contact</Item>
</MenuItem>

Then, while coding in the designer I would have intellisense like:

if (page.ToString == MenuItems.Homepage)...
if (page.ToString == MenuItems.Portfolio)...

Notice how the properties were defined in the XML, and added to the class at design time?

Thanks in advance!

Answer 1

You can use T4 Templates to generate source code. It is well supported by Microsoft and is used on several projects including ASP.NET MVC, and soon the ADO.NET Entity Framework.

Answer 2

If I may direct your attention to the ASP.NET Membership Provider, and the Web.sitemap, perhaps it will be of assistance to your actual problem.