asp.net - public static functions using globally - asp.net

Question

I am new to ASP.NET C#. I try to follow this tutorial page to make a function using globally, but no luck.
https://web.archive.org/web/20210612122420/http://aspnet.4guysfromrolla.com/articles/122403-1.aspx
What I try to do is use a function global any where in my code. I have a function called "FormatDateNoTime". I have create a Class file under App_Code folder. But when I call that function in one of my code behind page (example Page1.aspx.cs), it gives me the error:
Error: The name 'MyClass' does not exist in the current context
MyClass.cs file under the App_Code folder.
using System;
using System.Collections.Generic;
using System.Linq;
using System.Web;
/// <summary>
/// Summary description for Class1
/// </summary>
public class MyClass
{
//
// TODO: Add constructor logic here
//
public static string FormatDateNoTime(string input) {
string thedate;
DateTime strDate = DateTime.Parse(input);
thedate = strDate.ToString("MM/dd/yyyy");
return thedate;
}
}
The code in my Page1.aspx.cs calling the FormateNoTime function
TextBox BeginDate = (TextBox)FormView1.FindControl("BeginDate");
BeginDate.Text = MyClass.FormatDateNoTime(objDs.Tables[0].Rows[0]["BeginDate"].ToString());
It seems like other pages don't recognize this class.function().
Please help. Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

Right click the source file in App_Code and set its "Build Action" property to "Compile". Click on the .cs file in App_Code and hit F4 key (or right click -> Properties), and you should see an option for "Build Action"
That way, it will build the code in your App_Code folder, and you should be able to access your static method in your class. If the above doesn't help, remove the class from the app_code and drop it in the root folder and try compiling it.

Answer 2

The code you have doesn't compile. I'm pretty sure Visual Studio is throwing an error when you try to run it; pay attention to what it's saying.
Also, change the following:
public static string FormatDateNoTime(object sender, EventArgs e)
{
string thedate;
DateTime strDate = DateTime.Parse(input);
thedate = strDate.ToString("MM/dd/yyyy");
return thedate;
}
To
public static string FormatDateNoTime(String input)
{
string thedate;
DateTime strDate = DateTime.Parse(input);
thedate = strDate.ToString("MM/dd/yyyy");
return thedate;
}
I'd go further and validate that the input is parseable into a DateTime, but that's for you to explore.