How to Implement a Custom Configuration Section with an Element Collection in .NET?

Implementing ConfigurationSection with ConfigurationElementCollection

Custom configuration sections allow for the creation of domain-specific configuration settings in .NET applications. To implement a configuration section with a collection of elements, follow these steps:

1. Define the Custom Configuration Section Class

Create a class that extends ConfigurationSection and define properties for the section's settings. In your case, the ServiceConfigurationSection class represents the "ServicesSection" configuration section.

2. Define the Element Collection Class

Create a class that extends ConfigurationElementCollection and define methods and properties to manage the collection of elements within the section. In your case, the ServiceCollection class represents the collection of "Services" elements.

3. Define the Configuration Handler

Your previous attempt at using IConfigurationSectionHandler is deprecated. Instead, create a class that extends ConfigurationSectionHandler. The handler will be responsible for reading and deserializing the configuration section data.

4. Update the App.config File

Modify the App.config file to include the custom configuration section and its elements. The "ServicesSection" element should reference the handler type and contain the "Services" element collection.

5. Consume the Configuration Section

In your code, use the ConfigurationManager to access the configuration section. You can cast the section to its specific type, allowing access to the collection of elements and their settings.

Example Code:

Here is the code for the ServiceConfigurationSection handler:

public class ServiceConfigurationSectionHandler : ConfigurationSectionHandler
{
    public override object Create(object parent, object configContext, XmlNode section)
    {
        ServiceConfigurationSection configSection = new ServiceConfigurationSection();
        FillFromXml(configSection, section);
        return configSection;
    }
}

Usage in Code:

// Get the configuration section
ServiceConfigurationSection section = ConfigurationManager.GetSection("ServicesSection") as ServiceConfigurationSection;

// Access the first service config
ServiceConfig config = section.Services[0];

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