Question

I have an app where I need to dynamically choose an SQLDataSource for a GridView so I can use 1 of 2 stored procedures, depending on who is logged into the system.

My problem is that I am using logic like this, in the button click…

If Session("SiteType") = "Type1" Then
     GridView1.DataSourceID = "SqlDataSource2"
Else
     GridView1.DataSourceID = "SqlDataSource1"
End If
GridView1.DataBind()

This happens when you click the button that reveals the panel with the gridview in it.

The user then makes changes (basically adjusting a text box on one or more liens of the grid) and then clicks “save”. However, the gridview no longer knows its DataSourceID once this happens, so when I try to go through the gridview’s rows – there are none.

If, in the save button’s click, I put the same code, it (of course) blanks out any of the data changes I made in the form.

So, simply put – how do I dynamically choose the SqlDataSource, but only one time, so that the program then keeps that SqlDataSourceID associated with the gridview until the end of the cycle? Is this a ViewState thing? I don’t totally understand ViewState…

Pardon my ignorance – I’m assuming this is kind of simple, but I just don’t have a ton of .NET experience. If there is a better way, I’d be interested in hearing that as well – that said, time is of the essence so I’m kind of looking for the quick fix right now (boss is breathing down my neck.. heh).

Thanks!

Answer 1

You need to rebind the grid on each postback because you are setting the datasource at runtime in code.

Add this to the pages load event handler:

If Page.IsPostback Then
    If Session("SiteType") = "Type1" Then
       GridView1.DataSourceID = "SqlDataSource2"
    Else
       GridView1.DataSourceID = "SqlDataSource1"
    End If
    GridView1.DataBind()
End If