Column Custom Object

[Bill]

Is there a way for an bound grid with an unbound column to contain a custom object such as a Hashtable?  If so, how would it be implemented?

Thanks

[Jack]

Hello Bill,

Yes, this is possible. However, I am not sure that this is the best option. Hashtable(s) require large amounts of memory and when using them in a grid with a lot of rows you could easily run out of memory.

To create an unbound column which data type is hashtable follow these steps:

1. Create a new column and set its DataType property to Hashtable
2. Use the Value property of GridViewCellInfo to set the value
3. Handle CellFormatting event to display the value

And here is the code:

// Create the columm
GridViewDataColumn column = new GridViewDataColumn("Hashtable", "");
column.DataType = typeof(Hashtable);
this.radGridView1.Columns.Add(column);

// Set a value
Hashtable ht = new Hashtable();
ht["text"] = "124";
this.radGridView1.Rows[1].Cells["Hashtable"].Value = ht;

void radGridView1_CellFormatting(object sender, CellFormattingEventArgs e)
{
    GridDataCellElement cell = e.CellElement as GridDataCellElement;
    if (cell != null && cell.ColumnInfo.HeaderText == "Hashtable")
    {
        Hashtable table = cell.Value as Hashtable;
        if (table != null && table.ContainsKey("text"))
        {
            cell.Text = (string)table["text"];
        }
        else
        {
            cell.Text = "empty";
        }
    }
}

Please share more details on the exact scenario and I will try to find a better option. I am looking forward to your reply.

All the best,
Jack
the Telerik team

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