How to Use a Custom Grid with ComboBox Columns

Introduction

I'm a lazy person. I don't want to write a lot of code, but sometimes I have to, especially when I try to use free software with Windows.

Background

This tip has been created after a long time while I'm trying to combine MySQL database and Microsoft Excel in one C# application for non-IT users.

Using the Code

This code has been created and tested in a custom DataGridView without underlining DataSource in Microsoft Visual C# 2010 (Express).

1. Declare class for combo box item in your project. This class must have at least two properties (not a data member):
   C#

   class CBItemClass
   {
       long id;
       string name;
       public long ID
       {
           get { return id;}
           set {id = value;}
       }
       public string Name
       {
           get { return name; }
           set { name = value; }
       }
   }
   

2. Declare combo box source collection in your form:
   C#

   List<CBItemClass> xlCols2;
   

3. Fill this collection with items you need (I assume that you create an instance for your data source before you try to fill it):
   C#

   CBItemClass o = new CBItemClass();
   xlCols2.Add(o);
   

4. Prepare your DataGridView's column to use items you load:
   C#

   col.ValueMember = "ID"; // this property will be used as a key */
   col.DisplayMember = "Name";// this property will display to user even in drop down list
   col.DataSource = xlCols2; // connect collection with the column
   

5. And, when you need - you can set a value that you need in combo with similar code:
   C#

   CBItemClass o = new CBItemClass(); // create an item
   o.ID = ...; // set primary key
   o.Name = ...;// set display name
   dataGrid.Rows[1].Cells[1].Value = o; // set cell's value
   

6. After all, you'll get a grid with your values.

Points of Interest

I wrote this tip after I spent half a day to search a solution for my issue.

History

• 2014-02-10 17:50:00 : Initial post