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Asked: 2026-06-11T03:52:49+00:00

I am developing an application that requires some customization by the enduser afecting the

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I am developing an application that requires “some” customization by the enduser afecting the database design (beyond the parametrization).

Now a days this application supports to work with new columns for the existing tables or even new tables in runtime. But the enduser is not capable to alter the tables, and all the design work must be done using Microsoft SQL Server Magament Studio.

My question is: there is any kind of control (or tool) which implements this functionality? I would like to have it embeded in my application, but if it is a external tool wouldn’t be so bad.

What I want to have is some tool that let the user define a repository of columns (name, type, size) for example:

  • CustomerCode, BIGINT, n/a
  • CustomerName, Varchar, 50

And then create or alter a table or view by adding these predefined columns. And underneath should execute the needed SQL script or maybe using SMO (SQL Management Objects).

Updated

Currently it’s the application works with WinForms, but any WPF / ASP solution would be appreciated.

And referring to and enduser I mean a app administrator but not with programing skills.

Purpouse

The purpose is to be able to extend and customize the functionality from the own apllication without having to use SQL Server Managment Studio.

Imagine that you have an ERP, as a user you want to inform in your customers table something that the application was not orginally intended and even has no free fields for it, for example: GPS location, logo, CEO’s photo…

Of course I can suggest to some advanced users to install SSMS Express, but that will give them too much freedom. I also think it is a IT tool. What I wanted is to develop the capability to modify the application from the own framework of the application.

If it can be done from the own application, some controls can be performed:

  • Check that a table field called X will be always defined with the same type,
  • Disable the capability to modify the non-customizable fields (application fields),
  • …
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1 Answer

  1. Editorial Team

    It seems that this kind of control does not exists, so I will scratch it from 0.

    @BrunoCosta’s idea of using an EAV model to extend the standard application is a good practice. But I pretend to have a tool to modify the standard, and have a tool used for the final user and also for the developer. A pseudo SQL Server Studio + Visual Studio embedded in the a application.

    Once I develop it, I will to post it in CodeProject.

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