Hi Mike,

We're pretty new at this too. We pass datasets between layers. Our data classes are pretty simple. They get data, and store data. Our text file import routines are in our Biz classes. Seems to work ok so far.

Bruce

>I am still trying to get used to separation of the Biz and Data layers. Here is my situation right now that I am struggling with. I think I am overthinking the problem...
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>I have a custom collection that I was loading from a text file. I had the load routine right in the collection class. I decided that the load from the .txt file should be in the data class, so I am attempting to convert in an efficient manner.
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>What should I return from the data class? Should I return an instance of my collection? I guess I am thinking that I don't want to couple my biz and data layer so tightly.
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>Should I just return the contents of the text file in a string, and then parse that string in the biz layer?
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>Should I return a dataset, only to load that to my custom collection? That seems a bit redundant.
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>Should I leave the file loading procedure in the biz layer? I guess I am assuming since it is accessing data, it belongs in the data layer.
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>Any advice would be greatly appreciated!!!