Blank TileView, Users adds tile items in program, save states

[Eric]

Hi,
I currently have this design and I am wondering if it is possible to use TileView this way.

I would like to start off with a blank tileview, and the users would login and add tiles to their preference.
For example, user 1 may use the program and add 5 tile items to their liking.  User 2 may add 10 tile items.  All through click events.

However, if user1 and user2 exits the application, would the tiles that they have added be saved for next time?

Thanks!
Eric

[Zarko]

Hello Eric,

 Currently the RadTileVIew supports all kinds of dynamic changes to its items(adding, inserting, removing etc.) so the first part of your scenario is easily achievable. As to the second part, the saving of each individual's preferences, at the moment we don't support it out of the box, but we're planing to release a Persistence Framework for the Q2 2011 which will help you with this.
If you have further questions feel free to ask.

Kind regards,
Zarko
the Telerik team

[Eric]

Thanks for that.  Look forward to the Q2 updates.

In the meantime, would it be possible if i save the tile's position property and other settings and store either in a DB or isolated storage?

This way, there can be a service that checks which user is logged in and load up their tileview profile.
What do you think?

Thanks,
Eric

[Zarko]

Hello Eric,

 For now I'll advise you to use MVVM and create models for the RadTileView and the RadTileViewItems. Then you could bind the RadTileView and RadTileViewItem properties you're interesting in (maximizeMode, items list, position, tilestate etc.) to properties in your model. Once an user exits you could get this models, serialize them and put them in a DB or isolated storage and when this user comes back all you have to do is deserialize the models and use them for your RadTileView. The advantage of this approach is that you'll save only one object for an user and this will decrease the possibility of an error.
If you have more further questions don't hesitate to ask.

Greetings,
Zarko
the Telerik team

[Eric]

Thanks for your detailed response, its very helpful.

I am not too familiar with the MVVM approach myself, I tried looking at the support documents for silverlight radcontrols and they only highlight the approach.
Would Telerik have any additional support materials like tutorials, videos, documentations, etc. on MVVM?

Thanks again,
Eric

[Miro Miroslavov]

Hi Eric,

 We are constantly updating and improving our online MVVM materials and resources. You can find a good starting point here at my blog - http://blogs.telerik.com/miromiroslavov/posts/10-11-12/the_world_of_model_ndash_view_ndash_viewmodel_-_through_my_eyes.aspx 

Please also stay tuned, because very soon after the Q1 release, coming in a week, we will start publishing a series of  articles showing how to use each control in MVVM scenario.

Best wishes,
Miro Miroslavov
the Telerik team