Databind Resource File in XAML

Question

For localization I\'m using the Resource-file (.resx files) functionality in .NET, but I\'m wondering if there\'s a smart way to databind the various localization properties

Answer 1

Here is how I do it.

WPF:

1. Create a resource file and in the same assembly create a class that has a public constructor. Make sure the resource file is marked public.

2. In your xaml file - add a reference to this location in the namespaces

   xmlns:res="clr-namespace:MyProject.StringResources"

3. For your text property use the following binding

   TextProperty="{x:Static res:ResourceFileName.ResourceKey}"

Silverlight:

1. Follow steps 1 & 2 above and then add the resource file as a Resource in either your user control or in an application level resource:

   <res:ResourceFileName x:Key="resourcesLabels"/>

2. For your text property use the following binding:

   TextProperty="{Binding ResourceKey, Source={StaticResource resourceLabels}}"

Answer 2

Very similar to what Geek proposed, but even a bit easier I think:

Create a class in the same assembly, which inherits the resources file and exposes a public constructor, then use this class instead.

public class ResourcesProxy : Properties.Resources
{
    /// <summary>
    /// resolves the problem of internal constructor in resources.designer.cs
    /// in conjunction with xaml usage
    /// </summary>
    public ResourcesProxy() : base()
    {
    }
}