ASP.NET - Data Binding
We may use data binding to fill lists with selectable items from an imported data source, like a database, an XML file, or a script.
Data Binding
The following controls are list controls which support data binding:
- asp:RadioButtonList
- asp:CheckBoxList
- asp:DropDownList
- asp:Listbox
The selectable items
in each of the above controls are usually defined by one or more asp:ListItem controls, like this:
<html>
<body>
<form runat="server">
<asp:RadioButtonList id="countrylist" runat="server">
<asp:ListItem value="N" text="Norway" />
<asp:ListItem value="S" text="Sweden" />
<asp:ListItem value="F" text="France" />
<asp:ListItem value="I" text="Italy" />
</asp:RadioButtonList>
</form>
</body>
</html> |
However, with data binding we may use a separate source, like a database, an XML file, or a script to fill the list with selectable items.
By using an imported source, the data is separated from the HTML, and any changes to the items are made in the separate data source.
In the next three chapters, we will describe how to bind data from a scripted data source.

Need an easy way to get data into XML, or transform XML to another format?
MapForce lets you map XML data to/from any combination of XML, database, flat file, Excel 2007, XBRL, or Web services data.
Then it transforms data instantly or auto-generates royalty-free data integration code for recurrent conversions.
Download a free, fully functional 30-day trial to experience the following features:
- Easy-to-use, graphical data mapping interface
- Instant data transformation
- XSLT 1.0/2.0 and XQuery code generation
- Java, C#, and C++ code generation
- Advanced data processing functions
- Support for all major relational databases including SQL Server, IBM DB2, Oracle, and more
- Visual Studio & Eclipse integration
Download a fully-functional trial today!
|
|
|
|