User Control Problem

[vbud]

hi all,

I am developing a server user control that has a DropDownList inside. I want my control to have a property that will expose the value of the DropDownList. Currently I am using the following to do so:

Public Property ControlValue() As Long
        Get
            Return ddList.SelectedItem.Value
        End Get
        Set(ByVal Value As Long)
            ddList.SelectedIndex = Value
        End Set
    End Property

where ddList is the DropDownList inside the User Control.
Unfortunately the above code is not working, when I am trying to retrieve the ControlValue property I get the following error:
System.NullReferenceException: Object reference not set to an instance of an object.

In fact I also tried to use a reference to the ddlist but it still does not work, could anybody please help me on this...

[vbud]

Is this a dormant forum or what????

[fungi]

This may not be one of the more happening groups but you do typically get good responses to valid questions (sometimes even in the *same* day)

There's nothing wrong with your property definition AS LONG AS there is a selected item in the list. I just whipped up a test control that only contained a single drop down and pasted in your code. Had no problem with it as long as there is a selected item. When there is no selected item I get the same error message you mention.

So you probably should program for that situation and return -1.

[vbud]

Thanx, i'll try to have a look into that and give feedback if it works.