Make the Most of C# Programming Features: Build On to VBVoice with Extension Methods

For developers creating IVR applications with VBVoice™, there are many approaches to expanding object functionality. A feature of the C# programming language, Extension Methods, allows you to expand an object’s functionality even if you have no access to the source code. Extension Methods differ from other approaches to expanding functionality because they look like the original members of the target class, and are a very readable (and therefore usable) approach to VBVoice application development.

Use of Extension Methods in VBVoice applications range from adding frequently called operations on VBVoice objects, like Phrase object, Greeting object, Agentx’s Conversation object, VBVLog object, and more, to operations that execute on VBVoice Callflow controls, e.g. LineGroup, GetDigits, VoiceRec controls, etc., or even vbvFrame itself.

We recommend that you define your extension methods in their own library project. This way, they can be used in new projects simply by referencing the dynamic-link library (DLL) built by the library project. Just like all other methods and classes in Visual Studio®, you will be able to use these methods easily in new applications!

How do you like to expand object functionality when you are developing IVR applications? Let us know!

To learn more about Extension Methods and to see some practical examples, check out our article entitled Using C#’s Extension Methods with VBVoice.