Storing a Key with each item in ComboBox in .NET

[BenFinkel]

Hello Everyone,

I'm using .NET for the first time, and had a question. When I populate my combo box with database values, I was hoping to store the record key with each item so I could then determine which specific record the user chose. I'm trying to avoid binding directly to the database, although why I'm not sure so if you can convince me that's the way to go I will.

Otherwise, I was hoping there would be a tag property or something, but there isn't. Any suggestions?

Thanks!

-Ben

[SaraL]

Hi Ben!

One option is to populate the combobox with objects that contain the id (your record key) and your string.

Public Class myClass
 
    Private m_id As Integer
    Private m_name As String
 
    Public Property Id() As Integer
        Get
            Id = m_id
        End Get
        Set(ByVal Value As Integer)
            m_id = Value
        End Set
    End Property
    Public Property Name() As String
        Get
            Name = m_name
        End Get
        Set(ByVal Value As String)
            m_name = Value
        End Set
    End Property
 
    Public Overrides Function ToString() As String
        Return m_name
    End Function
 
End Class

And then you can obtain the selected id:

selectedId = CType(myCombobox.SelectedItem, myClass).Id

I started doing like this when began working with .net because I also missed a property for id in the combobox, but maybe there is a better way. If you find one, please let me know!

/Sara

[markmyb]

another option it to fill a dataset with all tables you need from the DB.

Eg: on a form you have 3 combo's.
cbo1 (Status)
cbo2 (Type)
cbo3 (Caller)

create an adabter and fill the dataset for each one of these tables. For an example on how to do this. Try using Pirates combo box demo.
http://www.vbforums.com/showthread....threadid=253655

then simply bound the dataset to your combos and walla.

[BenFinkel]

Hey Guys,

Thanks for both of your responses.

I ended up keeping an Array alongside of the combo, but I like both of your answers much better.

I didn't realize I could populate the Combobox with my OWN items (that's awsome) all I have to do is override the ToString method? Don't I need to Inherit a class before I can Override stuff?

On the dataset answer, I don't know anything about a dataset or how they work. That won't leave a connection to my database hanging open, will it?

Thanks again guys!

--Ben

[markmyb]

No, datasets do not leave a connection open.
I've closed and set my connection to nothing and am still able to pull data.