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c#attributesdeclarative

What are the advantages of attribute based programming?

I am working with WCF RIA services and have come across a sample using attributes:

[StringLength(10, ErrorMessage="Too long")]
public string FirstName { get; set; }
...

While attributes aren't restricted to WCF RIA, it reminded me of a question: why is declarative or attribute based programming perferable to coding a validation routine "the old fashioned way" ?

Thanks,

Scott

Solution

  • Because the constraint is discoverable without having to execute the code. With reflection you can access these constraints.