Help me choose code generation tools for ASP.NET

Question

I'm new to code generation tools and I would like to know how LLBGen Pro compares with Entity Framework? Also, my boos is really looking for a tool called CodeOnTime http://codeontime.com/default.aspx because he likes their good UI support.

I ask here because I really want an unbiased opinion.

I'm not sure LLBGen can also generate a user interface. While all the developments in the house, we are doing this in the classic way of manually coding each layer. However, we need a quick prototyping tool.

Any advice that will help me get out wisely will be greatly appreciated.

early.

Answer 1

The fact is, there are code generators and relational object mappings (ORMs) and code generators that perform relational object mappings.

Something like NHibernate is pure (ORM) and does not generate any code, it just provides you with a level of object storage.

Llblgen is a code generator that generates code that performs the functions of ORM, but you can really see the code and can override it with custom behavior. Llblgen will not generate your user interface for you, and it is not intended. He focuses heavily on data access.

Then you have tools like CodeSmith or the T4 built-in generator that comes with a visual studio that you can use to create templates, and then they will generate whatever you want, provided that you write your own templates. I worked for companies that have invested thousands in their own templates.

Finally, there are complete tools like CodeOnTime or IronSpeed ​​that generate entire applications for you. This sounds good in theory and is great for small applications like CRUD, but you lose a lot of flexibility when using such tools, because they often have the agreements that you need to work with, and as soon as you start to get heavy tuning, they usually get on your way.

You should ask yourself:

• Do I need something to access my data? if so you can use ORM
• Do I need to create a custom user interface? if so, you should probably avoid tools like CodeOnTime and IronSpeed

Answer 2

Have you looked at the CodeSmith Generator ? This is a tool for creating templates with Visual Studio integration, therefore, by definition, all templates are open source, and it has advanced features, such as generation in the assembly, which constantly updates your project with your data source.

In addition, the CodeSmith team is about to start work on the official set of EF templates, but so far they offer several different ORM options, including LINQ to SQL, NHibernate, .netTiers, CLSA, etc.

Answer 3

I used LLBLGen and Entity Framework. In my experience, they are roughly equal in capabilities, especially now that Entity Framework 4 is released. NHibernate is also in this area and should be considered if you want to compare the top ORM tools for .NET.

I would recommend downloading the LLBLGenPro demo to evaluate it. According to Frans Bouma's blog , LLBLGenPro offers advanced features not found in the Entity Framework pre-built tool built into VS.NET 2010.

ORM tools such as EF and LLBLGen do not generate a user interface. To do this, you will need something like IronSpeed ​​(not recommended, I do not like the generated code) or IdeaBlade DevForce products that I have not used.