Problem addressing a DataGrid field

rfinks · June 4th, 2003, 05:01 AM

I'm trying to address a field in a DataGrid from within a custom validator. The custom validator has parameters as such: "Protected Sub ValidateDescLength(source As Object, args As System.WebUI.WebControls.ServerValidateEventArgs). The field is called "Description" in the ItemTemplate and txtDescription in the EditItemTemplate.

If I try to use txtDescription in the customvalidator routine I get a compile error: "Field not defined". I know how to use e.Item.FindControl("field name") but I'm not passing the e parameter in this case. Should I be able to address txtDescription or should I be using some other technique?

Roger

james_sellwood · June 5th, 2003, 09:24 AM

Not sure if this will help, but the way I do it (may not suite your coding style) would be to directly check the string length of the element within the onUpdateCommand Sub-Procedure which has been called from the datagrid, in the form of:

Code:

Sub updateDG(Sender as Object, e as DataGridCommandEventArgs)
    Dim currentTextbox as Textbox
    currentTextbox = e.Item.FindControl("txtDescription")
    If (currentTextbox.text.length < 5) Then
        ' code to generate error message
        ' code to reset the datagrid
        Exit Sub
    End If

    'Code to update the datasource based on correct length ...
End Sub

I find this a more direct method.

--------------------
:) James Sellwood :)
--------------------

rfinks · June 5th, 2003, 01:30 PM

James, thanks for your reply. It makes perfect sense and is as you say a more direct way to accomplish the same thing. I may end up rewriting my code but would like to know how to use the custom validator to edit a field in a data grid. I think in the long run it would make my code much simpler for complicated edits.

Roger