Creating a Breeze js entity using a JSON string and importing it into the breeze cache: A step-by-step guide

Question

Creating a Breeze js entity using a JSON string and importing it into the breeze cache: A step-by-step guide

Currently, I am developing a mobile single page website that utilizes technologies like breeze js, angular js, web API, and entity framework.

To enhance the performance of the site, I have decided to include the breeze metadata in a bundled JavaScript file that encompasses all the necessary JavaScript files for the site. My goal is to simplify the process for the browser by only requiring it to request index.html, which will contain everything needed for the app to function smoothly including minified inline styles and JavaScript.

In addition to the breeze metadata, there is a critical complex entity (with deep navigation properties to other entities) that must be present for the site to operate at its full potential. I am looking for a way to embed this entity along with all the referenced entities in the bundled JavaScript. How can I achieve this?

One solution could involve creating a JSON string representing the complex entity and its related entities, then embedding that JSON string within the bundled JavaScript. However, I am not sure how to easily import this complex entity into the breeze entity system using the embedded entity JSON string. Is there a more efficient method to preload the breeze entity system with such complex entity without needing to request it from the server?

Furthermore, I want to avoid writing server-side code to generate JavaScript that constructs the entity on the client side.

javascript json entity-framework asp.net-web-api breeze

Answer 1

Answer №1

The easiest method would be to utilize the "initializer" parameter in the EntityManager.createEntity function.

For more information, visit and

An example of this call is shown below:

myEntityManager.createEntity("Employee", { lastName: Smith", firstName: "John" });

In your scenario, you can attempt the following:

var initialValues = JSON.parse(json);
myEntityManager.createEntity("Employee", initialValues);

Based on your specific requirements, you may also need to specify the 'entityState' for the newly created entity.

Answer 2

The easiest method would be to utilize the "initializer" parameter in the EntityManager.createEntity function.

For more information, visit and

An example of this call is shown below:

myEntityManager.createEntity("Employee", { lastName: Smith", firstName: "John" });

In your scenario, you can attempt the following:

var initialValues = JSON.parse(json);
myEntityManager.createEntity("Employee", initialValues);

Based on your specific requirements, you may also need to specify the 'entityState' for the newly created entity.

Answer 3

Answer №2

One of my go-to strategies for generating entity data for automated tests involves a specific technique:

Getting Ready

To start, set up an EntityManager with the entities (and their related graphs) that you want ready to go at launch.
Next, export this data as a string using
```
var exported = manager.exportEntities();
```
. This exported string includes all the necessary metadata, eliminating the need to retrieve it separately. It's like hitting two birds with one stone!
Save the content of the exported string in a JavaScript file, which you can then load as a script in your index.html file. Typically, I just display it in the console and extract the data from there.

Implementation

When you're ready to use this prepared data:

Load the JavaScript file containing the metadata and data.
Create a new EntityManager instance (ensure it is linked to the same dataservice endpoint).
Import the captured entities into your script using:
```
manager.importEntities(launchData);
```
.

You're all set to proceed.

Take time to review the exportEntities and importEntities methods of EntityManager.

Example Scenario

This approach is demonstrated in the "test" section of the "Zza-Node-Mongo" project.

In my workflow, I prefer exporting without combining data and metadata. Metadata goes into one script while the data to be loaded on launch (typically lookups) goes into another script. Both are loaded in the index.html page.

Important Reminder

It's mentioned that

In order to optimize the site, I integrated breeze metadata into a single bundled JavaScript file that encompasses all other necessary scripts for the site. Ideally, only index.html should be requested by the browser, encompassing everything needed for the app to function including compressed inline styles and JavaScript.

Keep premature optimization in check

I highly doubt that embedding metadata and launch data within script files significantly enhances app launch speed. It might save some time if the browser caches these scripts. However, this method comes with its own risks and may not be a reliable long-term solution.

The data must still be transferred to the client regardless. It's unclear if loading a script file - even a minified one - is faster than fetching metadata and launch data (both gzipped) from the server via a web API AJAX call.

The described techniques do accelerate testing processes as they eliminate the need to recreate metadata and launch data before each test. Efficiency gains are evident when avoiding repetitive server calls. However, it's unlikely to see substantial improvements during the initial application launch.

Prepare yourself mentally for the possibility that rigorous optimization efforts may not yield significant enhancements in launch times, and could potentially hinder user experience for certain individuals.

Answer 4

One of my go-to strategies for generating entity data for automated tests involves a specific technique:

Getting Ready

To start, set up an EntityManager with the entities (and their related graphs) that you want ready to go at launch.
Next, export this data as a string using
```
var exported = manager.exportEntities();
```
. This exported string includes all the necessary metadata, eliminating the need to retrieve it separately. It's like hitting two birds with one stone!
Save the content of the exported string in a JavaScript file, which you can then load as a script in your index.html file. Typically, I just display it in the console and extract the data from there.

Implementation

When you're ready to use this prepared data:

Load the JavaScript file containing the metadata and data.
Create a new EntityManager instance (ensure it is linked to the same dataservice endpoint).
Import the captured entities into your script using:
```
manager.importEntities(launchData);
```
.

You're all set to proceed.

Take time to review the exportEntities and importEntities methods of EntityManager.

Example Scenario

This approach is demonstrated in the "test" section of the "Zza-Node-Mongo" project.

In my workflow, I prefer exporting without combining data and metadata. Metadata goes into one script while the data to be loaded on launch (typically lookups) goes into another script. Both are loaded in the index.html page.

Important Reminder

It's mentioned that

In order to optimize the site, I integrated breeze metadata into a single bundled JavaScript file that encompasses all other necessary scripts for the site. Ideally, only index.html should be requested by the browser, encompassing everything needed for the app to function including compressed inline styles and JavaScript.

Keep premature optimization in check

I highly doubt that embedding metadata and launch data within script files significantly enhances app launch speed. It might save some time if the browser caches these scripts. However, this method comes with its own risks and may not be a reliable long-term solution.

The data must still be transferred to the client regardless. It's unclear if loading a script file - even a minified one - is faster than fetching metadata and launch data (both gzipped) from the server via a web API AJAX call.

The described techniques do accelerate testing processes as they eliminate the need to recreate metadata and launch data before each test. Efficiency gains are evident when avoiding repetitive server calls. However, it's unlikely to see substantial improvements during the initial application launch.

Prepare yourself mentally for the possibility that rigorous optimization efforts may not yield significant enhancements in launch times, and could potentially hinder user experience for certain individuals.

Creating a Breeze js entity using a JSON string and importing it into the breeze cache: A step-by-step guide

Answer №1

Answer №2

Getting Ready

Implementation

Example Scenario

Important Reminder

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