Discuss "How do you add a static item to a dynamic dropdownlist" in the .Net Development forum.

Shem · #1 July 4th, 2008, 03:55 AM

How does one achieve this?
basically i need to add a "Select Here" to my DDL, and it must be selected.

Shem

richyrich · #2 July 4th, 2008, 04:04 AM

Assuming you're using a datasource to bind to the DDL use something like this after you've bound the data to the ddl:-

Code:

ddl_id.items.insert(0, New ListItem("Please Select",""))

Shem · #3 July 4th, 2008, 04:14 AM

Or alternatively if your using the DataSourceControl, set the
AppendDataBoundItems to True of your DDL and then just add

Code:

<asp:DropDownList ID="ProjectDDL" runat="server" AutoPostBack="True" DataSourceID="ProjectDataSource" DataTextField="Name" DataValueField="Idkey" Visible="false" AppendDataBoundItems="True">
                        <asp:ListItem Text="Select Project" Value="0" Selected="True"></asp:ListItem>
                    </asp:DropDownList>

to your DDL

Shem

Shem · #4 July 4th, 2008, 04:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by richyrich

Assuming you're using a datasource to bind to the DDL use something like this after you've bound the data to the ddl:-

Code:

ddl_id.items.insert(0, New ListItem("Please Select",""))

this works 100% too, and probably the better way to do it

Thanks RR

richyrich · #5 July 4th, 2008, 04:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shem

Or alternatively if your using the DataSourceControl, set the
AppendDataBoundItems to True of your DDL and then just add

Code:

<asp:DropDownList ID="ProjectDDL" runat="server" AutoPostBack="True" DataSourceID="ProjectDataSource" DataTextField="Name" DataValueField="Idkey" Visible="false" AppendDataBoundItems="True">
                        <asp:ListItem Text="Select Project" Value="0" Selected="True"></asp:ListItem>
                    </asp:DropDownList>

to your DDL

Shem

You answered your own question Shem!! LOL

With this method I'm not sure what would happen on postback. Does it keep the Select Project item selected?

Shem · #6 July 4th, 2008, 04:26 AM

It keeps the selected item selected, ie. doesn't just stick to "Select here".

BTW: your method isn't working for me, I only tested your in conjuction to mine,
basically your will also only work when AppendDataBoundItems = true

Shem

Shem · #7 July 4th, 2008, 04:27 AM

sh!t....

If you click on "Select here", it adds it to the collection, so you end up with multiple "Select Here" options

richyrich · #8 July 4th, 2008, 04:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shem

sh!t....

If you click on "Select here", it adds it to the collection, so you end up with multiple "Select Here" options

This is what I do and don't have any problems:-
.aspx

Code:

<asp:dropdownlist id="ddl_id" runat="server" />

.aspx.vb

Code:

sub Page_Load()
 
if not ispostback then
 
      build_ddl_id()
 
end if
 
sub build_ddl_id()
 
' do all your datasource stuff first
 ddl_id.datasource = your_datasource
 ddl_id.databind
 
 ddl_id.items.insert(0, New ListItem("Select Project", ""))
 ddl_id.selectedvalue=""
 
end sub

You only build objects on the page load, not on postback. The viewstate should take care of that. I've not tried having listitems in my .aspx code and databinding to the same ddl. If I use a datasource, I build the whole thing in code behind. I don't know if using list items and a datasourec are mutually exclusive. Maybe it messes with the viewstate.

Obviously your datasource can be a datareader or list of from a class.

Hope that helps.

Shem · #9 July 4th, 2008, 04:51 AM

ok, but i am using the datasource control, so how do i build/bind on postback?

Shem

richyrich · #10 July 4th, 2008, 05:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shem

ok, but i am using the datasource control, so how do i build/bind on postback?

Shem

Ahh, yes....I forgot you were using a control as the datasource...

What happens if you remove the selected="true" from the Select Project item?

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
[ASP.Net/VB.Net] Programmatically Select Item in ListBox or DropDownList	jmurrayhead	Code Samples	0	June 27th, 2008 10:05 AM
[ASP.Net/VB.Net] Programmatically Add Item to Validation Summary	jmurrayhead	Code Samples	0	March 20th, 2008 09:41 AM

The Following User Says Thank You to richyrich For This Useful Post:
Shem (July 4th, 2008)

Discuss "How do you add a static item to a dynamic dropdownlist" in the .Net Development forum.

.Net Development - Learn about the Microsoft.Net framework and how to create powerful web-based (ASP.net) and client-based (Windows Forms) applications utilizing various languages such as C#, VB.Net, J# and others.