asp.net mvc how to design a complex form that requires search results from a different controller

Question

Hi,

I want to create a form for creating an order. So I have an 'Order' controller. One of the first steps will be to select an existing person to send this order to.

I'm thinking the Create() action method on OrderController will put a new Order object in session.
Then I'll need a link that will redirect to another controller, then return a customerID int to this Create() method.

I will have either a SearchController with a FindCustomer() action method, or a Search() action method on the CustomerController.

I have tried the first way. But what I am doing looks pretty messy. Especially considering that I'll need to do this at least one more time on this form, redirecting to the ItemsController to return items to add to the order.

What's the best way to design communication like this between controllers?

thanks in advance, SO

Answer 1

I'm not sure why you think you need other controllers for this. In your GET Create action, put the available Customers and Items in to ViewData, and then in your view put some controls for the user to select values. Then they will be POSTed to your POST Create action, and you can bind & save it in your Order object. You could have a separate action for adding Items to the Order if that gets too complex. But it could still be on the same OrdersController.

HTH, or let me know if I'm not getting what you're trying to do.