Slide 13.2: Data binding syntax: <%# %> (cont.)

Data Binding Syntax: <%# %> (Cont.)

Within the DataList, the template for one item is specified. The content of the item template is specified using a data binding expression:

   <asp:datalist id="MyList" runat="server">
     <ItemTemplate>
       Here is a value: <%# Container.DataItem %>
     </ItemTemplate>
   </asp:datalist>

The class Container encapsulates zero or more components.

The Container.DataItem refers to the data source used by the datalist.

In this case the data source of the MyList control is set programmatically, and then DataBind( ) is called.

   protected void Page_Load( object sender, EventArgs e ) {
     ArrayList Items = new ArrayList( );
     Items.Add( "One" );
     Items.Add( "Two" );
     Items.Add( "Three" );
     MyList.DataSource = Items;
     MyList.DataBind( );
   }

The property DataSource gets or sets the source containing a list of values used to populate the items within the control.

The method DataBind binds a data source to the invoked server control and all its child controls.

Calling the DataBind method of a control causes a recursive tree walk from that control on down in the tree; the DataBinding event is raised on each server control in that hierarchy, and data binding expressions on the control are evaluated accordingly.