[Solved] ObjectDataSource: Does not show Individual DataTables in the DataSet

[Nitin]

I am creating a report using Standalone Report Designer. The report is based on a SQL Server stored procedure that returns multiple tables. I have already created and linked the C# DLL method GetData() that returns a DataSet (consisting of two DataTables having TableName as dtHeader and dtDetails). I have successfully assigned GetData to the ObjectDataSource (odsData) by following the steps in the Wizard. Now the DataSource property of odsData shows the DLL name and DataMember property shows the method name - GetData().

I have assigned odsData as the DataSource of the report.

I noticed that unlike SQLDataSource, the ObjectDataSource did not show the output (So does it mean that it cannot figure out the output tables metadata?). Also the "Data Explorer" tab shows only odsData (I was expecting DataTables and columns under it).

I added a textbox and opened the "Edit Expression" dialog. Then I clicked on the "Fields". I find that only odsData appearing but not the tables - dtHeader and dtDetails. (Screenshot attached).

So, how do I see the fields (columns) of the DataTables dtHeader and dtDetails in the report (since it looks like that metadata is not available)?

P.S. I have tested the DLL successfully. i.e. it returns two DataTables (in a DataSet) with rows.

[Dimitar]

Hello Nitin,

Thank you for the attached screenshot and the additional information!

Let me start by confirming that the ObjectDataSource component is expected to work similarly to the other data source components, as in the fields being shown in the expression dialog when you have selected the "Fields" object, as in the attached screenshot.

The fields not being shown there indicate some kind of issue with either loading the assembly, getting the fields' schema from the data retrieval method, or something else. A common cause for no fields to be visible is when they are Private. The table fields should be Public for them to be resolvable.

Another thing to keep in mind is that the DataMember property, in a scenario with two data tables, should be the name of the table whose data is meant to be used. If not set, the first table will be the bound one. You can take a look at the Telerik Reporting Connecting to Data Data Source Components ObjectDataSource Component Bind to a DataSet - Telerik Reporting article for more information on the topic.

This means that you would need to use 3 ObjectDataSource components in the report if you meant to display the data of all three tables. Otherwise, if you intended ot use a single ObjectDataSource component, you would need to slightly change your data so that each data table exposes via a Public field that can be used for data binding in the report, as shown in the Telerik Reporting Binding to Collection Properties - Telerik Reporting article.

If you need further assistance, please send me a copy of the report and show me the data-retrieval-method's code, so that I can inspect them.

Thank you for using Telerik Reporting!

Regards,
Dimitar
Progress Telerik