5

A custom web part has custom web part properties. I would like to validate with custom server side code when user changes property value (or when properties are bing saved). Is that possible? Can I show an error message in the tool pane describing the problem that occurred?

Example: I have a web part where user needs to enter a list name (in a property). I would like to check if list with such a name exists.

0

5 Answers 5

5

you could create a custom EditorPart which creates a custom interface in which you verify the input. Check this out: Web Part Properties - part 2 - Editor Parts

8

I hope this can help you, althought I have not tested it. You can find an example here: http://www.sharepoint-tips.com/2010/06/validating-web-part-properties.html

private string _webPartContentLink = null;
 [Personalizable(PersonalizationScope.Shared)]
        [WebBrowsable(true)]
        [System.ComponentModel.Category("Services")]
        [WebDisplayName("Enter WebPart Content Link")]
        [WebDescription("Enter WebPart Content Link")]
        public string WebPartContentLink 
        {
            get
            {
                if (_webPartContentLink == null)
                {
                    _webPartContentLink = string.Empty;
                }
                return _webPartContentLink;
            }
            set 
            {
                if (!value.StartsWith("http://"))
                      throw new WebPartPageUserException("The WebPart Content Link is not valid");
                }

                _webPartContentLink = value;
             }
          }
5
  • 2
    Should change Exception to WebPartPageUserException. If I remember correctly Exception will generate a default value for the user. Sep 7, 2011 at 9:40
  • Sure, I caught the first example in the page. I'll edit it now. Please vote if you like my answer, I need some reputation :)
    – Bargant
    Sep 7, 2011 at 10:13
  • Thanks @Abu Hamzah. I figured it would be nicer to have all this information in one place. :)
    – Kit Menke
    Sep 7, 2011 at 15:01
  • +1 really nice answer! Maybe you can include an example of the Microsoft.SharePoint.WebPartPages property in addition to the System.Web.UI.WebControls you have above.
    – Kit Menke
    Sep 7, 2011 at 15:15
  • I will try to find a moment to include the example of the Microsoft.SharePoint.WebPartPages property property. But for the moment, here there is an example: msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/…
    – Bargant
    Sep 12, 2011 at 7:43
2

In addition to what Wictor said, remember to define your own ValidationGroup when you are using custom or out of the box ASP.NET validators, that way you dont get interference from other validation controls that might be on the same page when you do a post back (maybe a subject for your book Wictor?:-)

3
  • Already in there mate! And some other neat tips and tricks! Mar 22, 2010 at 10:09
  • And what if this web part is part of sandboxed solution? I presume this will not work without a custom proxy? Mar 22, 2010 at 12:10
  • No probs Toni, EditorParts work fine within the SB! Mar 22, 2010 at 12:41
1

Check out the following article: https://www.nothingbutsharepoint.com/sites/devwiki/articles/Pages/SharePoint-Web-Parts-with-jQuery-and-the-Web-ToolPart.aspx

1
  • Welcome to SharePoint Stack Exchange! While this may theoretically answer the question, we prefer inclusion of the essential parts of the answer here, and to provide the link for reference. See How to Answer for general guidelines.
    – Alex Angas
    Aug 25, 2011 at 2:28
0

You could also create a custom editor part with a textbox and ASP.NET validation control, e.g a RegularExpressionValidator. This gives you client-side validation on the property. The only disadvantage I can see with that solution is that the custom editor parts are always displayed in the top (which quite anoying...).

See this MSDN article for a walk-through: http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/hh228018.aspx#Y4419

1

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.