Data Binding

Abstract

The process of getting data into controls is known as data binding—although this is a loosely defined term and Microsoft has applied it to different techniques and features over the years. In ASP.NET 4.5, data binding was enhanced through the addition of strongly typed controls—our focus in this chapter. The previous iterations of data binding didn’t work well, and we don’t get into them in this book. In this chapter, we’ll explain how data binding works and demonstrate how to create custom data controls, including those which are strongly typed and which support templates. Most ASP.NET Framework projects can be completed without needing to create custom controls, but appreciating how the data binding mechanism works will help you understand the function and purpose of the built-in data controls covered in Chapters 36 and 37.