[asp.net-mvc] TempData keep() vs peek()

What is the difference between keep() and peek()?

MSDN says:

• keep(): marks the specified key in the dictionary for retention.
• peek(): returns an object that contains the element that is associated with the specified key, without marking the key for deletion.

I can't get really what the difference is, don't they both keep a value for another request?

Just finished understanding Peek and Keep and had same confusion initially. The confusion arises becauses TempData behaves differently under different condition. You can watch this video which explains the Keep and Peek with demonstration https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=689393794478113

Tempdata helps to preserve values for a single request and CAN ALSO preserve values for the next request depending on 4 conditions”.

If we understand these 4 points you would see more clarity.Below is a diagram with all 4 conditions, read the third and fourth point which talks about Peek and Keep.

Condition 1 (Not read):- If you set a “TempData” inside your action and if you do not read it in your view then “TempData” will be persisted for the next request.

Condition 2 ( Normal Read) :- If you read the “TempData” normally like the below code it will not persist for the next request.

string str = TempData["MyData"];

Even if you are displaying it’s a normal read like the code below.

@TempData["MyData"];

Condition 3 (Read and Keep) :- If you read the “TempData” and call the “Keep” method it will be persisted.

@TempData["MyData"];
TempData.Keep("MyData");

Condition 4 ( Peek and Read) :- If you read “TempData” by using the “Peek” method it will persist for the next request.

string str = TempData.Peek("Td").ToString();

Reference :- http://www.codeproject.com/Articles/818493/MVC-Tempdata-Peek-and-Keep-confusion

don't they both keep a value for another request?

Yes they do, but when the first one is void, the second one returns and object:

public void Keep(string key)
{
    _retainedKeys.Add(key); // just adds the key to the collection for retention
}

public object Peek(string key)
{
    object value;
    _data.TryGetValue(key, out value);
    return value; // returns an object without marking it for deletion
}

TempData is also a dictionary object that stays for the time of an HTTP Request. So, TempData can be used to maintain data between one controller action to the other controller action.

TempData is used to check the null values each time. TempData contain two method keep() and peek() for maintain data state from one controller action to others.

When TempDataDictionary object is read, At the end of request marks as deletion to current read object.

The keep() and peek() method is used to read the data without deletion the current read object.

You can use Peek() when you always want to hold/prevent the value for another request. You can use Keep() when prevent/hold the value depends on additional logic.

Overloading in TempData.Peek() & TempData.Keep() as given below.

TempData.Keep() have 2 overloaded methods.

1. void keep() : That menace all the data not deleted on current request completion.

2. void keep(string key) : persist the specific item in TempData with help of name.

TempData.Peek() no overloaded methods.

1. object peek(string key) : return an object that contain items with specific key without making key for deletion.

Example for return type of TempData.Keep() & TempData.Peek() methods as given below.

public void Keep(string key) { _retainedKeys.Add(key); }

public object Peek(string key) { object value = values; return value; }

Keep() method marks the specified key in the dictionary for retention

You can use Keep() when prevent/hold the value depends on additional logic.

when you read TempData one’s and want to hold for another request then use keep method, so TempData can available for next request as above example.