How to Properly Implement Custom Configuration Sections with ConfigurationElementCollection in .NET?

Understanding Custom Configuration Sections with ConfigurationElementCollection

In an attempt to configure an application, implementing a custom configuration section with a ConfigurationElementCollection can prove challenging, especially with exception errors. This article aims to clarify this process by examining a scenario where custom elements and a collection are defined but require further implementation for the handler.

Context: Custom Configuration Section and Element Collection

In the scenario described, an App.config file outlines a custom that contains a element with two elements, each representing a service with a specific port and report type. Two custom classes, ServiceConfig and ServiceCollection, define these elements and their properties.

The Missing Handler: IConfigurationSectionHandler or ConfigurationSection?

The key missing piece in this implementation is the handler that enables reading data from the configuration. Initially, the developer tried using IConfigurationSectionHandler but encountered both issues with functionality and deprecation. The correct approach is to utilize ConfigurationSection instead.

Implementing the Configuration Section Handler

A new class, ServiceConfigurationSection, extends ConfigurationSection and defines a property called Services of type ServiceCollection, allowing the collection of service configurations to be accessed within the section.

Complete Example: Revised Configuration and Handler

The revised App.config file remains largely unchanged, providing the custom configuration section and service configuration data. The ServiceConfigurationSection handler is added to read and manipulate this data. By calling ConfigurationManager.GetSection("ServicesSection"), the custom section can be accessed and its Services collection can be used to retrieve individual service configurations.

Conclusion

Implementing a custom configuration section with a ConfigurationElementCollection requires not only defining the elements and their collection but also creating a handler class that extends ConfigurationSection. This handler provides a bridge between the application and the configuration data, allowing the application to interact with and modify the configuration settings as needed.

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