Question

I want to add custom columns to some tables created by ASP.NET.
For example; I need to add two fields such as FirstName and LastName to the aspnet_Membership table.

I can add this directly by editing the table but;

1. Is this the right thing to do (I mean; extending the table directly) OR should I create a separate table and hold the extra user data, there?

2. How can I see these custom database fields as properties in code completion? example: membershipuser.FirstName;

thanks.

Answer 1

You would typically use profiles to store user related meta data. This requires only simple configuration and no custom provider implementation.

You should only ever consider custom implementation of the battle tested security related providers when you absolutely must.

here is a link to a fine example of implementing profiles in asp.net.