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I have an application that depends on a dll (named datalib) intended to store data in xml format.

There is a tight couple between my app and that dll.

All over the code my app retrieve data using that dll in this manner:

var data = datalib.Parameters.HostAddress;

I want my app to have an ability for replacement of data source (for instance to SQL Server database).

For unfortune, my app within it's business logic convey strongly typed objects from datalib to other modules which depends on datalib tightly to.

What possible ways are available in my situation to achieve the ability for replacement of data source? Am I need to create my own domain layer with the ability to map it's entities to datalib's entities?

EngineerSpock
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2 Answers2

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Suggest reading up on these concepts from the below links and elsewhere:

  1. Repository Pattern
  2. Data Mapper

Essentially, you want to achieve loose coupling around the external data access library (datalib.dll). This could be achieved in many ways - from a simple DataAccess class to more extensible Repository type factory classes.

You would have to make that choice, based on the cost vs. benefits in each approach. Hope this helps.

Channs
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As per my understanding The datasource needs to configured dyanamincally and it should be used by datalib

  1. Write a independent program which reads a configuration file to get datasource.

  2. Test that program to see it can access different datasource. The method can return a DataSource (in Java. Not much idea about the language)

  3. Modify the datalib to change the code to access the program you write in step 2.

In this way we are not breaking any contract datalib and the invokation points in your application and you can achieve some decoupling.

Binu
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  • What is datalib entities in your post? How datalib access datasource currently? Is it hard coded somewhere? – Binu Dec 14 '12 at 09:01
  • Yes. Datalib is a dll which writes data in xml-format. Encrypt file and decrypt it. It is hardcoded and I have no chance to convince the developer to change datalib somehow. – EngineerSpock Dec 14 '12 at 09:06
  • I have no idea how to externalize the DataSource or replace the current Datasource with out modifying the hardcoded stuff in the Datalib. – Binu Dec 14 '12 at 09:15
  • For instance, I can develop my own domain with opportunity to map my entities into datalib entities and develop data access layer which will retrieve data from data source (DAL can be found on interfaces so I will have the ability to replace datalib by database and map data into my domain entities. – EngineerSpock Dec 14 '12 at 09:39