how to make fields editable at runtime

Question

Is it possible to apply EditableAttribute at runtime? I want to make some properties editable only when the user has some role. Unfortunately EdiatbleAttribute is sealed. I can try to apply it at runtime by reflection but maybe there's more proper way to do this. Thanks for any advices.

Best regards

Note: you can't change attributes via reflection. You *can* do this using the `System.ComponentModel`, but that only works if the caller is *asking* via `System.ComponentModel`. Unfortunately *at the property level* (rather than the type level) it is hard work to do it, and I think it is unlikely that it will achieve anything in this scenario (I suspect the caller is querying via reflection) — Marc Gravell, May 27 '11 at 08:24

score 1 · Accepted Answer · edited May 23 '17 at 12:12

There is a hack available at: How to Set Attribute Value at Runtime-- and How to Work around a Silly Bug

private void SetPropertyGrid() 
{ 
     PropertyDescriptor descriptor = TypeDescriptor.GetProperties(typeof(Student))["Address"];
     ReadOnlyAttribute attrib = (ReadOnlyAttribute)descriptor.Attributes[typeof(ReadOnlyAttribute)];
     FieldInfo isReadOnly = attrib.GetType().GetField("isReadOnly", BindingFlags.NonPublic | BindingFlags.Instance);
        isReadOnly.SetValue(attrib,true);

     propertyGrid1.SelectedObject = new Student();  
}

I was able to this code to change the ReadOnly attribute value of the property. The statement propertyGrid1.SelectedObject = new Student(); can be replaced by propertyGrid1.SelectedObject = myStudent i.e. you can modify the properties of an existing object.

Also, have a look at a similar question: Change Attribute's parameter at runtime

score 0 · Answer 2 · answered May 27 '11 at 08:31

0

I think a good option is to create an extension helper for the control you need to use (TextBox etc) and if the IsReadOnly property is true (Editable(false)) then generate a disabled textbox.

answered May 27 '11 at 08:31

Massimiliano Peluso

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Of course I can make it this way but I'd prefer a more general solution. – krlm May 27 '11 at 08:33

how to make fields editable at runtime

2 Answers2