Custom routing in ASP.NET MVC allows you to define specific URL patterns that map to controller actions, enabling you to create user-friendly and SEO-friendly URLs. This can enhance the usability of your application and make it easier for users to navigate. Below are the steps to implement custom routes in an ASP.NET MVC application.

Step 1: Open RouteConfig.cs

The routes for your ASP.NET MVC application are defined in the RouteConfig.cs file, which is typically located in the App_Start folder. Open this file to modify the routing configuration.

Step 2: Define Custom Routes

You can define custom routes using the MapRoute method. Below is an example of how to create a custom route for a product details page:

        
        public class RouteConfig
        {
            public static void RegisterRoutes(RouteCollection routes)
            {
                routes.IgnoreRoute("{resource}.axd/{*pathInfo}");

                // Custom route for product details
                routes.MapRoute(
                    name: "ProductDetails",
                    url: "Product/Details/{id}",
                    defaults: new { controller = "Product", action = "Details", id = UrlParameter.Optional }
                );

                // Default route
                routes.MapRoute(
                    name: "Default",
                    url: "{controller}/{action}/{id}",
                    defaults: new { controller = "Home", action = "Index", id = UrlParameter.Optional }
                );
            }
        }
            

In this example:

• The custom route named ProductDetails maps URLs in the format /Product/Details/{id}.
• The defaults parameter specifies that the ProductController and the Details action should be invoked, with id as an optional parameter.

Step 3: Create the Controller Action

Next, you need to create the action method in the ProductController that will handle the request for the product details. Below is an example of how to implement the Details action:

        
        public class ProductController : Controller
        {
            public ActionResult Details(int id)
            {
                // Simulate retrieving a product by id
                var product = GetProductById(id);
                return View(product);
            }

            private Product GetProductById(int id)
            {
                // Simulated data retrieval logic
                return new Product { Id = id, Name = "Product " + id, Price = 10.00M * id };
            }
        }
            

In this example:

• The Details action takes an id parameter, which is passed from the URL.
• The method simulates retrieving a product based on the provided id and returns the corresponding view.

Step 4: Create the View

You also need to create a view for the Details action. To do this, create a new view file named Details.cshtml in the Views/Product folder:

        
        @model Product

        <h2>Product Details</h2>
        <p>Id: @Model.Id</p>
        <p>Name: @Model.Name</p>
        <p>Price: @Model.Price</p>
            

In this view:

• The @model directive specifies that the view expects a model of type Product.
• The view displays the product details using the properties of the model.

Step 5: Test the Custom Route

To test the custom route, run your application and navigate to a URL like /Product/Details/1. This should invoke the Details</ code> action of the <code>ProductController and display the details of the product with an ID of 1. If everything is set up correctly, you should see the product information rendered on the page.

Conclusion

Implementing custom routes in ASP.NET MVC is a straightforward process that enhances the user experience by providing clean and meaningful URLs. By defining routes in the RouteConfig.cs file, creating corresponding controller actions, and designing views, you can effectively manage how users interact with your application. This flexibility allows for better organization and maintainability of your code.