Tridion DXA Java + Best way to create Model classes for a Component with two levels of Component linking

Question

We have to create Model classes for a Component which contains 2 levels of Component linking.

In the second level it allows multiple Component links where allowed Schemas are different for each Component.

How should we write the model classes in this scenario please suggest?

In the example site, ContentList Model class has itemsElementList field which is an Embedded Schema and the Link field is used for Component link within that. But in our case we have multiple Components added as links at 2nd level each Component Schema type is different.

Answer 1

How you model a Component Link in a DXA View Model depends on how you want to render the linked Component(s).

If you just want to render hyperlinks, you can map it to a propery of type Link (or a collection of Links).

If you want to embed (parts of) the linked Components in your view, you can map to a property of type EntityModel (or a collection of those).

Answer 2

• You have to define model for each schema in your question, whether its embedded or component link.
• Also in DD4T tbb Render Component Content make sure you are allowing the desired level of component linking.

pseudo example.

Class A
{
    public B Property1
}

Class B
{
    public C property1;
    public D property2;    
}

Class C
{
    public string name;

}

Class D 
{
    public string prop;
}