One problem with the attributes that I wonder if you have already solved. I’m using Database First, where the MS Entity Framework generates the data model classes as *.tt files, so I’m using meta data classes to hold the validators and other attributes (Required, DisplayName, etc).

I assumed these metadata classes would also hold the custom attributes that you suggest in this article (eg SocialSecurityNumber,PhoneNumber).

Unfortunately your GetModelAttribute method does not see the attributes when they are on the metadata classes. The call to GetCustomAttributes comes back empty. If I add the attributes directly to the data model class generated by the Entity Framework (the *.tt class) your method works perfectly, but of course it is bad practice to mark up the *.tt classes, since they are overwritten when the model is updated.

A workaround is the performance optimization that you suggest (creating separate SocialSecurityNumber and PhoneNumber templates and calling them by name). But I’m wondering, is there a way to read the attributes from the meta data classes in a method like your GetModelAttribute extension?

All i need just add

[Required(ErrorMessage="* Required.")]

Thanks anyway.