How to update an XBAP's config file after deployment?

Question

We have a WPF XBAP application that we want to change the configuration on the server after it is deployed. Since the config file is embedded in the deployment files, how is this possible?

For example, we want to change the database connection strings the deployed app is connected to or we want to update the WCF service binding settings that it is connecting to? We want to update the config file on the server and not have to recompile and redeploy each time.

Thanks!

Answer 1

In the SDK directory is a program called MageUI.exe. This program lets you create and edit application deployment manifests. You can update your config file, then use MageUI to edit your deployment manifest and import the new configuration file.

Depending on the size of your application, it may just be easier to hit Publish in Visual Studio than go through the effort of using MageUI and editing deployment manifests.

Alternately you can have your application look on your deployment server via an HTTP request for a config file (renamed to something other than .config, since ASP.NET by default blocks those files) for the updated configuration.