Using data from SqlDataSource

[lumstar]

Hi There,

I'm trying to put some data from a SQL database directly into my asp page - rather than in a databound control. Is this possible? I thought I could use a literal databinding expression like <%# sqlDataSource.nameOfSelectedItem %> and the text would appear on the page, but first of all I cannot reference selected items like this, and secondly data in the literal does not show up when rendered in a browser.

Anyone know how this can be done and/or what I am doing wring?

Thanks in advance!
Stephen

 

[jmeckley]

1. datasource controls are ment to be bound to controls, so what you want to do above either will not work, or is more trouble than it's worth.

2. never use datasource controls.
it goes against the separation of concerns principle (an object should have only one reason to change)
you cannot debug (step through) a markup control
you cannot unit test controls on a webform
you have no chance to preform any business logic which may be required.

Instead use a data access layer to write queries and serve the data back to the presentation layer. here are the most prominent frameworks for data access.
NHibernate
ActiveRecord
LLBL Gen Pro 2
Enterprise Library

Jason Meckley
Programmer
Specialty Bakers, Inc.