Windows Azure - AppFabric Caching Service Programming - Part 44

In the previous article we have seen the theories on AppFabric Caching service. In this article, we explore the programming aspects of it.

The following are the steps involved in using the cache.

Step 1: Create the Service Namespace

We need to create the service namespace. You can skip this step if you already have a namespace. For creating the namespace sign in to the Windows Azure portal and select the Service Bus, Access Control & Caching item as shown below.



Now click on the New button.



In the appearing dialog enter the cache details as shown below.



Please ensure you entered a unique namespace and click the Create Namepace button. Wait for a few minutes and your namespace will be ready.



Step 2: Install AppFabric SDK

This application requires AppFabric SDK. You can download it from here. You can download the appropriate 32 bit or 64 bit version as shown below.



Step 3: Create new Web Role

Create a new Azure Project and add a web role into it. Add reference to the following caching assembly files.

You can locate the files in folder:

C:\Program Files\Windows Azure AppFabric SDK\V1.5\Assemblies\NET4.0\Cache



Modify the web.config of the application by adding the marked section. Enter your namespace and key information in the respected area.



The configuration entries (namespace and key) can be generated from portal using the button highlighted.



Now in the Default.aspx page design view add two buttons named Create Cache and Get Cache as shown below.



Make the click events of buttons as following.
 
 

protected void CreateCacheButton_Click(object sender, EventArgs e)
 {
     DataCacheFactory factory = new DataCacheFactory();
     factory.GetDefaultCache().Add("Key1", "Value1");
     factory.GetDefaultCache().Add("Key2", "Value2");
     factory.GetDefaultCache().Add("Key3", "Value3");
     factory.GetDefaultCache().Add("Key4", "Value4");
     factory.GetDefaultCache().Add("Key5", "Value5");
 }
 
protected void GetCacheButton_Click(object sender, EventArgs e)
 {
     DataCacheFactory factory = new DataCacheFactory();
     object value = factory.GetDefaultCache().Get("Key1");
     if (value != null)
         Label1.Text = "Value is: " + value.ToString();
     else
         Label1.Text = "Invalid Key!";
 }