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I'm using WebActivator.PreApplicationStartMethod in my current project but it seems like the OwinStartupAttribute could do the same job? Is this the proper use of the OwinStartupAttribute?

marcus
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1 Answers1

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PreApplicationStartMethodAttribute allows you to run some code early in the ASP.NET pipeline. ASP.NET requests are handled by the IIS pipeline.

Owin middleware is designed to run in a server-agnostic pipeline.
You could host owin middleware in a non-IIS environment, basically.

If you want to run Owin through the IIS pipeline you have to install and use Owin.Host.SystemWeb:

Install-Package Microsoft.Owin.Host.SystemWeb

and it seems that SystemWeb uses PreApplicationStartMethod to hook into the application startup.

So, I guess, there not much difference at the moment.

I would stick to Owin Startup considering things might change in the future.

I have found a great explanation here and these articles are worth reading.

LeftyX
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  • In my application WebActivator.PreApplicationStartMethod runs before Application_Start() but OwinStarup runs after Application_Start() so it does not seem to replace WebActivator? – marcus Jul 27 '14 at 11:38
  • @Marcus: You're right. Owin startup should, in fact, replace Application_Start. – LeftyX Jul 28 '14 at 18:20