web service and adding extra methos params

[Badgers]

Hi,

I have a webservice which existing clients are bound to, if I add an extra param to the method would I break the existing compatibility? or would it be best I add a second method. (Overloading doesn't work very well in web servicess).

Thanks

 

[ChrisHirst]

if I add an extra param to the method would I break the existing compatibility?

That would depend entirely on if your existing method allows for optional parameters.

Chris.

Indifference will be the downfall of mankind, but who cares?
Time flies like an arrow, however, fruit flies like a banana.
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[jbenson001]

The last time I tried, overloading a web method wasn't possible, or at the very least a pain in the neck. Not sure if much has changed since I tried. Since you have clients using it, it would make more sense to just create a new web method and let them know that it exists instead of having them change code to call the existing ones.

 

[ChrisHirst]

'overloading' is not strictly the same thing as simply having optional parameters that can be omitted if not required.


Optional Parameters for c#

http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dd264739.aspx

For vB.net you use the keyword "Optional" before the parameter and declare a default value in the function declaration

http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/f25e2b6b.aspx

Chris.

Indifference will be the downfall of mankind, but who cares?
Time flies like an arrow, however, fruit flies like a banana.
Webmaster Forum

 

[jbenson001]

What's your point with that last post?
WebMethods are different than Subs or Functions.

Optional parameters are not allowed in webmethods.