Vault Application Framework code snippets for Visual Studio

See Installing using the Visual Studio Template Package.

Visual Studio Code Snippets are small blocks of reusable code that can be inserted into a code file using a context menu or set of key-presses. Code Snippets can be used to quickly create commonly-used code structures such as methods or properties, reducing the amount of code that developers must type to do so.

Code Snippets consist of a block of standardised text, and small editable sections. When a snippet is first entered, the editable sections are highlighted and the user can overtype the values to customise the code snippet. The developer can move between the editable elements of the snippet by pressing Tab, and press Enter or Esc to finish editing.

Executing Code Snippets

Using the keyboard

To execute a Code Snippet, the developer types the name of the code snippet (e.g. prop) and presses Tab twice. Visual Studio then executes the snippet and places it at the current location.

Resharper can alter the standard keyboard shortcuts. If you are using Resharper then You must press Ctrl-J, then type the code snippet name. The other keyboard shortcuts still work.

Using the mouse

To execute the code snippet, the developer right-clicks at the appropriate place in the code file and selects Insert Code Snippet.... The available code snippets are listed in a folder-style structure. The developer can double-click on the required Code Snippet and fill out the editable elements of the snippet by pressing Tab.

Code Snippets and the Vault Application Framework

When developing applications using the Vault Application Framework it is common to create methods that are executed in response to various events within the vault, such as an object reaching a state in a workflow, or a property value requiring validation. Attributes are used to ensure that the Vault Application Framework knows which methods need to be executed at what time. These attributes often require the following method to have a specific signature in order to function; if the method does not match the expected signature then it will not be invoked.

The Vault Application Framework Attributes page details the attributes and their expected method signature, if appropriate.

Code Snippets can be used to automatically generate class members (methods and properties) with the correct structure and signatures, reducing development time.

Contributing to the Code Snippets

To contribute additional code snippets or to fix issues with existing code snippets, please visit the GitHub Samples and Libraries repository, fork the repository, make the required changes, then submit a pull request. GitHub has further information on forking and pull requests.

Available Code Snippets

See Installing using the Visual Studio Template Package.

The following code snippets exist. Once the snippets are installed, simply type their name within a code file, select the snippet, and press Tab twice.

Properties

• MFVAFPropertyAutomaticNumber creates a code snippet for PropertyAutomaticNumberingAttribute.
• MFVAFPropertyCustomValue creates a code snippet for PropertyCustomValueAttribute.
• MFVAFPropertyValidation creates a code snippet for PropertyValueValidationAttribute.

Vault Extension Methods

• MFVAFVaultExtensionMethod creates a code snippet for VaultExtensionMethodAttribute.

Workflows

• MFVAFStateAction creates a code snippet for StateActionAttribute.
• MFVAFStatePreCondition creates a code snippet for StatePreConditionsAttribute.
• MFVAFStatePostCondition creates a code snippet for StatePostConditionsAttribute.
• MFVAFAutomaticStateTransitionTrigger creates a code snippet for AutomaticStateTransitionTriggerAttribute.

Event Handlers

• MFVAFEventHandler creates a code snippet for EventHandlerAttribute.

Vault Structural Elements (MFIdentifiers)

• MFVAFClassGroupIdentifier creates a code snippet for a MFIdentifier with a MFVAFClassGroupAttribute.
• MFVAFClassIdentifier creates a code snippet for a MFIdentifier with a MFVAFClassAttribute.
• MFVAFObjectTypeIdentifier creates a code snippet for a MFIdentifier with a MFVAFObjTypeAttribute.
• MFVAFValueListIdentifier creates a code snippet for a MFIdentifier with a MFVAFValueListAttribute.
• MFVAFValueListItemIdentifier creates a code snippet for a MFIdentifier with a MFVAFValueListItemAttribute.
• MFVAFNamedAccessControlListIdentifier creates a code snippet for a MFIdentifier with a MFVAFNamedACL.
• MFVAFUserGroupIdentifier creates a code snippet for a MFIdentifier with a MFVAFUserGroupAttribute.
• MFVAFPropertyDefinitionIdentifier creates a code snippet for a MFIdentifier with a MFVAFPropertyDefAttribute.
• MFVAFWorkflowIdentifier creates a code snippet for a MFIdentifier with a MFVAFWorkflowAttribute.
• MFVAFWorkflowStateIdentifier creates a code snippet for a MFIdentifier with a MFVAFStateAttribute.
• MFVAFWorkflowStateTransitionIdentifier creates a code snippet for a MFIdentifier with a MFVAFStateTransitionAttribute.
• MFVAFViewIdentifier creates a code snippet for a MFIdentifier with a MFVAFViewAttribute.

Configuration

• MFVAFConfiguration creates a code snippet for a property with a MFVAFConfigurationAttribute.

Installing the Vault Application Framework Code Snippets

Installing using the Visual Studio Template Package

Code Snippets are included in the M-Files Online Visual Studio Template Package. Installing this package also installs the code snippets listed here.

The package can be uninstalled by opening Visual Studio, clicking Tools, then Extensions and Updates..., as with other installed extensions.

Downloading the raw snippet files (not recommended)

The raw snippet files are available for download within our GitHub Samples and Libraries repository. To install the snippets manually:

• Download the .snippet file(s).
• Open Visual Studio.
• Click the Tools menu item and select Code Snippets Manager.
• Click Add and locate the downloaded .snippet file.