How to update Model when binding to a ViewModel?

Question

I have an [HttpPost] action method signature like this:

[HttpPost]
public ActionResult Edit(ExistingPostViewModel model)
{
   // Save the edited Pos         


        

Answer 1

I actually ran into this exact same issue in a project I'm currently working on. As much as I wasn't a fan of it, I ended up doing the left to right approach and manually mapping my viewmodel data back to my entity.

The only nice thing about this approach is it does give you more control. Since I started using more compound viewmodels, where you actually have fields from more than one entity in your viewmodel, it started making more sense to do things this way.

I'm also using AutoMapper, and you're absolutely right, it does get awkward when you're trying to do a simple update operation. Wish I had some super clever workaround for you, but the "old fashioned way" seems to get the job done best for the work I've been doing.