How do I read a settings value from the web.config file in an ASP.NET application?

Question

I'm trying to use the following command:

Dim xmlFilePath As String = _
    System.Configuration.ConfigurationManager.AppSettings("XmlFilePath")

to retrieve the following setting:

<applicationSettings>
    <MySolution.WebProject.My.MySettings>
        <setting name="XmlFilePath" serializeAs="String">
            <value>C:\ASP.NET\Folder\MessageLog</value>
        </setting>
    </MySolution.WebProject.My.MySettings>
</applicationSettings>

However, xmlFilePath shows up as Nothing after that line of code is run.

What's the correct code to get a setting out of the web.config file in an ASP.NET application?

NOTE: Although you can add keys individually to the <appsettings> tag, I'm trying to figure out how to use it with the "Settings" tab in the project's properties.

Answer 1

Typically i see see this as being done different way.

<appSettings>
    <add key="XmlFilePath" value="C:\yourpath here" />
</appSettings>

Then you would use the method you describe, as that is the way that the "ConfigurationManager" works.

Answer 2

Look in

My.MySettings.Default.XmlFilePath