Improve CRUD operation Logic in ASP.NET Core

When it comes to building web applications, efficient data management is crucial. ASP.NET Core makes it easy to implement CRUD (Create, Read, Update, Delete) operations for your data. In this article, we will explore how to improve your CRUD logic by combining the Create and Edit operations into a single function in ASP.NET Core.

Basics of CRUD Operations

Before we dive into the advanced concept of combining Create and Edit operations, let's review the fundamentals of CRUD operations in ASP.NET Core:

Create (C)

The Create operation involves adding new records to your database. In ASP.NET Core, you typically use HTTP POST requests to send data to the server and insert it into the database.

Read (R)

Reading data is the most common operation in any application. ASP.NET Core provides various ways to retrieve data, including Entity Framework, LINQ, and SQL queries.

Update (U)

Updating data includes modifying existing records in the database. You use HTTP PUT or PATCH requests to send updated data to the server, which then updates the corresponding record.

Delete (D)

The Delete operation allows you to remove records from the database. You typically use HTTP DELETE requests to trigger the deletion of specific records.

Note. Let us improve crud operations logic by combining Create and Edit Operations:

In many scenarios, the Create and Edit operations share a significant amount of code. For instance, both operations involve validating user input, mapping data to database models, and saving changes to the database. It's inefficient to duplicate this code in separate functions, so let's explore how to combine them.

Benefits of Combining Create and Edit

1. Code Reusability: Combining Create and Edit operations reduces code duplication, making your application more maintainable.
2. Improved User Experience: Users can seamlessly switch between creating and editing records, enhancing the user experience.
3. Simplified Validation: You can merge validation logic, ensuring consistent data validation for both operations.

Implementing Combined CRUD Operations

Let's implement combined Create and Edit operations in ASP.NET Core with a code example. We'll assume you have a simple `Product` model with properties like `Id`, `Name`, and `Price`. We'll use Entity Framework for data access.

C#

[HttpGet]
public IActionResult CreateOrEdit(int pid)
{
    Product product = new Product();

    if (pid > 0)
    {
        product = context.Products.Find(pid);
    }

    return View(product);
}

[HttpPost]
[ValidateAntiForgeryToken]
public async Task<IActionResult> CreateOrEdit(Product product)
{
    if (ModelState.IsValid)
    {
        if (product.Id == 0)
        {
            // Create a new product
            _context.Products.Add(product);
        }
        else
        {
            // Edit an existing product
            _context.Products.Update(product);
        }

        await _context.SaveChangesAsync();

        return RedirectToAction(nameof(Index));
    }

    // If the model is not valid, return to the form with errors
    return View(product);
}

In this example, we have a single `CreateOrEdit` action that handles both Create and Edit operations. We check the `Id` property of the `Product` model to determine whether we're creating a new product or editing an existing one. If the model is valid, we save changes to the database and redirect to the product list.

Conclusion

In this article, we've explored the concept of combining Create and Edit operations in ASP.NET Core. By consolidating your CRUD logic, you can improve code reusability, enhance the user experience, and simplify data validation. Implementing these combined operations can make your application more efficient and maintainable.

Remember that while combining Create and Edit operations can be beneficial in many cases, you should assess your specific project requirements to determine whether it's the right approach for your application.

Including these practices in your ASP.NET Core application can well run your development process and lead to a more robust and user-friendly web application.

For more ASP.NET Core tips and tutorials, stay tuned to C# Corner.