Accessing a static method from Orchestration Expression

Question

Hi all

How can I access the method getXmlDocument

from a Orchestration Expression

I tried something like this

var = new %namespace%.Invoice_Decoder(); //Note Var is type %namespace.Invoice_Decoder%

varGet = var.getXmlDocument(msgCoded);  // varGet is type System.Xml.Document

The error message below is showing getXmlDocument %Error%(msgCoded) between getXmlDocument and (msgCoded)

I am getting an error 

static member cannot be accessed with an instance reference qualify it with a type name instead

 [Serializable]
	public class Invoice_Decoder
    

    {
        public Invoice_Decoder()
		{
			//
			// TODO: Add constructor logic here
			//
		}	


        public static XmlDocument getXmlDocument(XLANGMessage baseCodeInvMessage )
		{

       blalba
                 }

---

AKE

Answer 1

You can not access a static method from an instance. Your code should read:

varGet = %namespace%.Invoice_Decoder.getXmlDocument(msgCoded);

Answer 2

Hi AKE,

I assume you want to call a custom .NET component. Here is an example of an implementation, which could be usefull for you to review: http://www.codeproject.com/KB/biztalk/CallCustomDllBiztalk2006.aspx.

Regards,

Steef-Jan Wiggers (http://soa-thoughts.blogspot.com/)

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BizTalk Server

Answer 3

HI

Thanks for speedy response

:-)

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AKE

Answer 4

Hi all

I tried all the solution above ..

Non of them worked

I was getting the error.. 

must be a type : when I use: varGet = %namespace%.Invoice_Decoder.getXmlDocument(msgCoded);

getXmlDocument "must be a type"

As soon as I remove the static type.. it works with out problem..

But I have a need to use the static.

Thanks in Advance

---

AKE

Answer 5

Hi AKE,

Is there a particular reason you need to use static. Maybe you could review this post: http://seroter.wordpress.com/2007/08/17/behavior-of-static-objects-in-biztalk-runtime/.

Regards,

Steef-Jan

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BizTalk Server

Answer 6

Hi Jan

Need to make sure that is only 1 instance of the object 

is alive during a transaction

How save is using  just public XmlDocumet?

Regards

---

AKE

Answer 7

Hi AKE,

Well look into this post http://seroter.wordpress.com/2007/08/17/behavior-of-static-objects-in-biztalk-runtime/.. or have a look here: http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ee377042(BTS.10).aspx.

Regards,

Steef-Jan

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BizTalk Server

Answer 8

Hi AKE,

As suggested by Greg, using the class name should work to call a static method of class from Orchestration expression shape.

varGet = %namespace%.Invoice_Decoder.getXmlDocument(msgCoded);

I have called static methods of external assemblies it in many projects without any issue.  Are you getting error at design time or run time?

If your class is a utility class with only static methods, then change the class also to static and then you do not need to use [Serializable] for a static class.  Make sure to Gac the assembly and restart host instance before testing it (you may not have restarted host insatce in your last test).


Regards,

Tariq Majeed

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Please mark it as answer if it helps

Answer 9

As Tariq mentioned, you just need to make sure that your latest changes are reflected ..During development, you can ensure this by writing some information messages into event log from your static method.

HTH,

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Please mark it as answer by clicking on "Propose As Answer", if it helps

Answer 10

If your class is a utility class with only static methods, then change the class also to static and then you do not need to use [Serializable] for a static class.  Make sure to Gac the assembly and restart host instance before testing it (you may not have restarted host insatce in your last test).

Hi Tariq .. I think you made a point.. here.. class with only static methods, need to be static class also.. 

I will try this tomorrow morning and give you the feedback

Kind regards

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AKE

Answer 11

Hi,

The methods in a static class need to be reentrant and threadsafe, because many orchestration instances could simultainously call the same method. Hence better way is to go for a singleton class instead of a static class. When you call methods of a singleton class separate stack frame is created for each such call and hence no complications.

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Please mark as answer if this helps you. Thanks and warm regards Ambar Ray EAI Architect - Microsoft Technologies

Answer 12

Hi all

Thanks for your effort..

The static class  solved my problem for now..

Later I will have a look at the constraints as a result of calling a static method in an Orch..

Best

Regards

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AKE