Business Apps with DevExpress XAF

This class provides an overview of the DevExpress eXpressApp Framework (XAF). It takes you through the process of creating an Event Management business application with XAF. The application covers both the WinForms and the ASP.NET platform, as supported by XAF. A good practical level of knowledge will be achieved that allows you to write similar business applications on your own, and to understand DevExpress XAF well enough to flatten any further learning curve.

For your convenience, the class is divided into two parts. Part 1, the Basic part of the class, focuses on data layers with XPO, the XAF development process and all the functionality in the XAF modules. Part 2, the Advanced part, explains how to achieve the level of flexibility often required in real-world projects, while maintaining support for and from the framework. Extensibility and Reusability are key topics here, and some advanced XPO techniques round things off.

Please note: I recommend you take the entire class. The split in two parts is meant as an option, with the hope of simplifying your own schedule planning.

Who Should Attend

.NET developers with basic application development experience. The programming language used during the class is C#. I will try to help VB programmers with any language issues and it is possible that I'll be able to provide VB samples at a later point (though probably not before the class in August 2010). Please let me know if VB is a priority for you!

For Part 1, the Basic part, you should not have much experience using XAF. On the other hand, if you only want to attend Part 2, the Advanced part, you should have a good working knowledge of the standard functionality.

Class Language

I expect attendees from a number of countries and the class language will be English. I also speak German, so I can help with translations.

Requirements

You should use your own computer during the class. Details about the required setup will be sent out to you before the class.

Products Covered

• DevExpress eXpressApp Framework

Product Versions

Starting with 2010, DevExpress releases new major versions of their entire suite twice a year. It is not always possible to migrate a class to the latest version, update all demos and labs, include all new functionality etc., between the DX release date and a particular class date. I will gladly make updated source code versions available to you at any point after you have taken a class.

The DevExpress major version that is used in this class is currently v2010.1.

Depth of Coverage

The complete five-day class covers all standard modules in a depth that allows you to create your own applications. Many "best practices" deliver additional background. The class takes a breadth-first approach, and due to the complexity of the materials and the number of functional modules, coverage of every single feature is not a target of this class. Of course you can use the opportunity to ask me any questions you like!

Format

This instructor led training class focuses on a step-by-step walkthrough of the creation of a business application for the purpose of Event Management. A further focus is the application of DevExpress XAF to this scenario, while the sample application remains feature incomplete from the perspective of a real Event Management business.

Hands-on labs are presented throughout the class, to enable you to practice the topics, and these labs are meant to be taken away and used after the class. Questions are encouraged.

Outline

Part 1, Basic

• The XAF Development Process
  • Persistent Class Hierarchies with XPO
    • Data object implementation
    • Complex relationships
    • Querying data
    • Advanced mapping options
  • Standard Functionality
    • Supported platforms
    • Data filtering
    • Navigation alternatives
    • Show View strategies
  • Customization Through the Model
  • Adding Application Functionality
    • Action Types
    • Extending Controllers
  • Functional Testing with EasyTest
    • Platform Independent Testing
    • Test Scripts
    • Debugging Tests
    • Integrating with the Build Process
• Standard Modules - Details of Functionality
  • File Attachments
    • Attachment data types
    • Extending custom data types
  • Data Validation
    • Rule types
    • Applying rules through the model
  • Audit Trails
    • Activating auditing
    • Working with audit data
  • Security Systems
    • Authentication and Authorization options
    • Limits of XAF based security
  • Ribbon UI
    • Activation for the WinForms application
  • Conditional Formatting
    • Formatting rules
  • View Variants
    • Pre-configuring views
  • Scheduler
    • Event data types
    • Working with the module UI
  • Printing System
    • Automatic printing support
  • Reporting
    • Creating custom reports
    • Parameters and other advanced scenarios
  • Pivot/Chart Data Analysis
    • Pre-configuring analysis setups
• Deployment
  • Versioning Database Changes
  • Using DBUpdater
  • Considering Medium Trust
• Important Loose Ends
  • Localization Support
  • Error Handling

Part 2, Advanced

• Extending the Framework
  • Custom Views
  • Custom Controls
  • Advanced Business Logic
    • Custom Validation Mechanisms
  • Extending the Security System
• Working (Partly) Outside the Framework
  • Customizing UI Templates
  • Custom Pages and Forms
    • Access to the XAF data layer
  • Non-Persistent Data
• Creating Reusable Modules
  • Data Types
  • Controllers
  • User Interface Parts
  • Model Extensions
• Advanced XPO Topics
  • Legacy Databases - Support and Restrictions
  • Data Layer Caching
  • Data Service Publication