MVC4 forms that save to entity framework models - forms

Question

I have the following course model created using EF code first:
public class Course
{
[Key]
public int CourseID { get; set; }
[StringLength(50)]
public string Name { get; set; }
[StringLength(200)]
public string Description { get; set; }
[StringLength(50)]
public string Author { get; set; }
public DateTime UploadDate { get; set; }
public DateTime ExpiryDate { get; set; }
public int ParticipationPoints { get; set; }
public string BlobURL { get; set; }
//1 to many relationship
public virtual ICollection<Audit> Audits { get; set; }
public virtual ICollection<Content> Contents { get; set; }
public virtual ICollection<Enrollment> Enrollments { get; set; }
public virtual ICollection<Feedback> Feedbacks { get; set; }
public virtual ICollection<Keyword> Keywords { get; set; }
public virtual ICollection<Target> Targets { get; set; }
public virtual ICollection<CourseSection> CourseSections { get; set; }
//many to many relationship
public virtual ICollection<MetaLearningUser> MetaLearningUsers { get; set; }
}
In design mode I have the following HTML fields:
<form class="custom">
<fieldset>
<div class="row">
<div class="twelve columns">
<div class="row">
<div class="six columns">
<label>Course Title</label>
<input type="text">
</div>
<div class="six columns">
<label>Author</label>
<input type="text">
</div>
</div>
<div class="row">
<div class="six columns">
<label>Keywords</label>
<input type="text">
</div>
<div class="six columns">
<label>Metadata</label>
<input type="text">
</div>
</div>
<div class="row">
<div class="twelve columns">
<label>Description</label>
<textarea></textarea>
</div>
</div>
<div class="row">
<div class="six columns bottom20">
<label>Media type</label>
<div class="custom dropdown"> Select media type
<ul>
<li>Screencast</li>
<li>Podcast</li>
<li>Document</li>
<li>SCORM</li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
<div class="six columns bottom20">
<label>Directory</label>
<div class="custom dropdown"> Select subject
<ul>
<li>Human Resources</li>
<li>IT Security</li>
<li>Corporate Governance</li>
<li>Health & Safety</li>
<li>Legal</li>
<li>IT Infrastructure</li>
<li>3rd Parties</li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="row">
<div class="six columns">
<label>Start date</label>
<input type="date" class="datefield">
</div>
<div class="six columns">
<label>End date</label>
<input type="date" class="datefield">
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Submit
</fieldset>
</form>
</div>
How can I save the data entered in the text boxes to the entity framework database when the submit button is pressed?

Answer 1

When you send in the model to the view, use something like
#using(Html.BeginForm("Index"))
{
#Html.TexboxFor(x => x.Name) // istead of <input type=text>
#Html.TextborFor(x => x.Description)
<input type="submit" value="Submit button"/>
}
to bind the model to the view, which in turn will make it post back when you click the submitt button.
In the controller you have something like
[HttpPost]
public ActionResult Index(CourseViewModel model) // because you'd want to use a
// view model and not the entity itself
{
// check if the model is valid
// maybe some more logic
db.SaveChanges();
return View(model);
}