Data Binding vs Manual Population?

[CoMMiE]

Hi
Can anyone tell me whats the pros and cons of using databinding and manual population of data from a database?

In what situation do we use databindings or manual population?


Thanks

[cim3]

I feel you should always populate controls manually as this way you learn how the control works properly and it allows you a lot more flexibility.

[Mr.No]

I would like to bring this discussion back again.
I think that VB6 programmers have stayed away from the ADO data control and bound controls because of some performance reasons. I am making the move towards VB.NET and have the feeling that bound controls are not so evil after all, specially when the VS.NET environment generates quite a lot of code that are available for customisation. I would like to have some inputs from those who are already using VB.NET in production and whether bound controls are the right choice?

Thanks.

[Athley]

Hi!

I am using alot of databinding in different situations, and I am using manual population as well. Both have their advantages an disadvantages.

Advantages of the databinding is the ease of use (once you get a hang of it that is), one disadvantage is as cim3 says, the lack of 100% of control in all situation. But if you use a specific predefined strategy that is seldom a problem.

[Edneeis]

I still mainly use methods other than databinding but do agree that binding is no longer evil in .NET. Most of my binding now is actually to my own custom classes instead of the data directly which I think gives me the right amount of control that I need. I also plan on looking at binding further in .NET even though in VB6 I almost never used binding.

[Athley]

Just to warn you guys, there are a couple of traps deeper down into databinding, but don't give up if you feel something doesn't work. I have managed to get around almost every obsticle I have had to face, so If you have problems and question along the way, maybe I can answer some of them.

Just post and I'll do what I can.

[Mr.No]

Ednees, Athley

Thanks for your input.