Dynamic data entry interface

[ma77c]

I'm looking for suggestions on the best way to go about creating a dynamic data entry/editing GUI.

I have an XML document that contains entries which users will update and also add new entries. The structure of each entry varies, therefore the interface will also change and need to be created dynamically. If we break an entry down into the smallest logical elements, ie. a paragraph, a list, an image. Then a user can build an entry containing any number of these elements, in any order.

I'm struggling with how to recreate this interface. I am not very familiar with Web Parts, but I think I may be able to achieve the functionality I'm looking for with them. A cool site that uses AJAX, but has the sort of functionality I'm looking for is

http://www.netvibes.com.

You can add/delete different elements and rearrange the order.

I'm just wondering if anyone has any ideas on how to create something similar. Thanks.

 

[0ddball]

You've set yourself one heck of a task there - but nothing unachievable.

I've not got any advice for you I'm afraid, just encouragement

Trying to do this sort of thing without getting down and dirty with Web2 isn't going to be easy. You may seriously want to look into AJAX if you with to maintain that seamless approach that no postbacks creates.

Every time a user moves a window your page will post back - every time they add a feed - every time they sneeze.

Someone help this fella I wanna know what he comes up with.


Yet another unchecked rambling brought to you by:
Oddball

 

[ma77c]

Thanks for the support. I think I'm going to try and take on AJAX and webparts, but instead keep it as simple as possible, for my own sanity

Taking it one step at a time. I've created user controls to represent the different elements in the xml document. Next, I'm trying to add these controls when the user selects a menu item. I can do this, but the problem is maintaining the controls. Currently, I cannot add more than one because on postback the newly added control is lost.

I've read a couple of articles/tutorials on working with dynamic controls, but they all seem to only address controls being added during the initialization stage, rather than when certain events are triggered.

Any ideas? I can post my current code if needed.