Configuration in .NET applications

Many values used in an application must allow for dynamic configuration. An example of this would be the need for a data-aware application to provide a mechanism for changing the target database source. Without this flexibility, applications will not be able to adjust as changes are made to the distributed network environment. The .NET platform allows for dynamic configuration changes to be readily integrated into your applications through the use of XML configuration files.

It is also important to plan for access control, restricting who may use your application, and for limitations on available capabilities within your application. Role-based access control allows the application to alter its behavior based on the permissions provided to the current logon account or to the application itself.

You will rarely need to configure detailed access control over Windows controls. The .NET Framework uses a LicenseProvider object that can be configured by the control's developer. If the license requirements stored in this object are met, the control can be added to your application. Everything else is automatically handled by the .NET Framework.