Support: FAQ 

In the generated code, where do I set my database connection information?

Prior to release 1.2.10, by default, connection parameters are hard-coded in the constructor of BaseDASettings. Alternatively, there is support for storing and retrieving connection information in a custom xml file. Un-comment the LoadFromFile() method in BaseDASettings to use this. Run your code once and a file will be created for you. The ASPNET machine account must have write priviledges to the virtual directory of your website.

Starting with version 1.2.10, and if you are targeting version 2.x of the .Net Framework, support is provided for storing and retrieving ConnectionStrings from the web.config file.  

I'm having trouble compiling or running my generated code. What's wrong?

We have a special page for diagnosing compile or run-time issues. Click here to go there. Includes special instructions for VB.NET users! 

Can I try TCDesigner before I buy it?

Yes. A trial is available for both editions but the restrictions are different. In Standard, you will be able to connect to your own database, create all the objects, and see the code for each object using code preview (F7). Only the Build option is disabled. In Professional, there is a different restriction scheme: You will only be allowed to connect to the Northwind sample database. From there, you can fully exercise the product, generate the code, and import it into Visual Studio for compile. Both Standard and Professional can be installed side-by-side so download them both to see which one meets your needs. 

Are the web pages generated by TCDesigner suitable for production use?

Yes, but you will probably need to add field validators. The web pages are entirely suitable for the "administrative" side of a site. Styles of everything are controlled with a generated style sheet making it easy to customize the look and feel.

Does TCDesigner support complex queries?

Yes. Complex queries are supported through database views. Create your views and then import them into TCDesigner just like a table.

When running my generated Web site, I get a GDI+ error when hitting a page with an image on it.

You must grant READ/WRITE permissions to the ASPNET machine account to write out a temporary copy of the image before displaying it.

I develop in VB.Net. Which version should I use for VB.Net?

TCDesigner Professional Edition generates your choice of VB.Net or C#. The Standard Edition only generates C#.

I'm using the trial verrsion of Standard. How do I see the generated code?

To see what code will be generated when you register TCDesigner Standard, right mouse click on any class and select Code Preview or hit F7. 

What databases are supported?

TCDesigner supports Microsoft SQL Server version 7 and higher.  TCDesigner does not yet support BigInt or SQLVariant datatypes available in SQL 2000. 

What am I supposed to do with those "user code blocks" scattered throughout the generated code?

Nothing - they were a bad idea! Either ignore them or tell TCDesigner you don't want them: Under Tools, Options, Remove user code blocks.

I've generated my code and compiled in Visual Studio. When I run my system, I get an error saying the stored procedure does not exist?

First, make sure you indeed have actually installed the generated stored procedure scripts. TCDesigner Professional provides a utility called SQLRunner that makes installing all the stored procs really easy!  If that is confirmed, then most likely the run-time database connection properties are not correct. In TCDesigner, those are properties of the Data Access layer node. Just click on that node in the Project Explorer and check the properties. The default DatabaseName is "master" which, most likely not what you want! If you want to simply edit the generated class file, then edit BaseDASettings and look in the Constructor event. There you will see the connection properties you need to change. Optionally, these changes can be read from an XML file also. 

Is there a way to turn off encryption for the stored procs?

Professional allows you to turn this off and is one of the properties of the Data Access classes. Currently the only way to do that in Standard is comment out the line "with encryption" in the generated stored procedure code. We've learned that this feature forces us to treat our stored procedure code like true source code and keep them in Source Safe. In other words this forces you to check it out, edit the code, re-run the proc create, and then check it back in to Source Safe. We know it's extremely tempting to just fire up Enterprice Manager to make small tweaks to your stored procs, but then, if you're like us, you will forget to update the version in Source Safe! 

What if I have complex queries. Can TCDesigner help with that?

Yes. Multiple table data access can be handled in several ways. One way is to use database views with select statements that satisfy your business need. TCDesigner can read from views and build data access classes just as easily as for tables. Another way is to code methods in you business layer that read and manipulate data returned from several of the regular data access methods that TCDesigner generates for you. 

Can I modify the generated code?

Yes. If you later want to regenerate, you can set the Locked property to true for those objects you do not want overwritten.  Professional puts "user code blocks" in the generated code that are preserved if you regenerate.

Why does TCDesigner use Custom Data Objects instead of DataAdapters?

Mainly for performance. DataAdapters carry a lot of baggage. They are huge objects - with functionality you generally won't need. Instead, the data objects TCDesigner creates are inherited from the Collections class and are extremely lightweight. You add what functionality you need and no more. 

I've generated my code in Standard. Now what? 

In the Build Progress window, click the Whats Next button. You will then be shown some sample code for a WinForms project.

Click here to see a WinForms code sample. 

For Web projects, we recommend creating a business layer. Click here to see sample code for one class in your business layer and a corresponding WebForm.  

I've installed the trial version of Professional but can only connect to Northwind. What's wrong? 

Professional only allows connection to Northwind during trial, but all other features are enabled. The trial version of Standard allows connection to any SQL Server database, but the build option is disabled.