How to set ViewBag properties for all Views without using a base class for Controllers?

Question

In the past I\'ve stuck common properties, such as the current user, onto ViewData/ViewBag in a global fashion by having all Controllers inherit from a common base controlle

Answer 1

Since ViewBag properties are, by definition, tied to the view presentation and any light view logic that may be necessary, I'd create a base WebViewPage and set the properties on page initialization. It's very similar to the concept of a base controller for repeated logic and common functionality, but for your views:

    public abstract class ApplicationViewPage : WebViewPage
    {
        protected override void InitializePage()
        {
            SetViewBagDefaultProperties();
            base.InitializePage();
        }

        private void SetViewBagDefaultProperties()
        {
            ViewBag.GlobalProperty = "MyValue";
        }
    }

And then in \Views\Web.config, set the pageBaseType property: