Accessing content file in c# web application

Question

I am having this issue on my mind for 3 days now.
I have an xml file that is marked as Content and Always Copy.
The file was copied to:
C:\Users\avi\Documents\Visual Studio 2010\Projects\ExpressBroker\ExpressBroker\bin\XMLMetadata\Actions.1.xml

When accessing to the file:

//like that:
XDocument actions = XDocument.Load("bin\\XMLMetadata\\Actions.1.xml");
//or like that:
XDocument actions = XDocument.Load("XMLMetadata\\Actions.1.xml");
//or like that:
XDocument actions = XDocument.Load("Actions.1.xml");

I get the following exception: Exception Details: System.IO.DirectoryNotFoundException: Could not find a part of the path 'C:\Program Files\IIS Express\bin\XMLMetadata\Actions.1.xml'.

Why is it been searched in the IIS folder? how do i access the file?

I am using IIs Express with VWD2010

please oh please never use a syntax like the below there is no need for it.use ~ 100% not to mention why would you check in bin for a static resource? — Adam Tuliper
– Adam Tuliper, Commented Oct 26, 2011 at 16:55

Birey · Accepted Answer · 2011-10-21 20:17:51Z

6

You need to have web application's relative path by using

Server.MapPath("/")+"bin\\XMLMetadata\\Actions.1.xml"

like that.

answered Oct 21, 2011 at 20:17

Birey

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5 Comments

SexyMF Over a year ago

what is the namespace of server? i don't have it available. thanks

Oded Over a year ago

@SexyMF - Why do you need a "namespace of server"?

Birey Over a year ago

It should be available on your web application on any page. if you are outside the page then get it from System.Web.HttpContext.Current.Server assuming that you are running this code on web application so the httpcontext's "Current" will not be null.

Adam Tuliper Over a year ago

why would you not just use whats meant to be used here and thats the '~' character.

Birey Over a year ago

ya ~ too. Also before loading into XDocument, it'd be good to check if file exists by if(System.IO.File.Exists(<filepath>)){ <code> }

Adam Tuliper · Accepted Answer · 2011-10-21 20:19:15Z

2

Use

XDocument.Load(Server.MapPath("~/XmlMetaData/Actions.1.xml"));

answered Oct 21, 2011 at 20:19

Adam Tuliper

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Comments

Stu · Accepted Answer · 2011-10-21 20:20:12Z

1

If the file is static, you might be better off embedding it and using Assembly.GetExecutingAssembly().GetManifestResourceStream().

answered Oct 21, 2011 at 20:20

Stu

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1 Comment

Adam Tuliper Over a year ago

local content files outside of resources in web application project are virtually always more efficient and easier to work with and can be deployed as a content type, not to mention you can get iis httpsys caching on them as well for outside accessed static content files.

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