Using Radgrid with normalized table structure

[Jeff]

This is a basic design question on using radgrid with normalize table structures from sql server. This is a basic enough question it seems that I should have already solved the problem, but I seem to be having trouble coming up with the answer.

I have a table that has fields that are smallint type that contain Key values from a lookup table.
When in edit or insert mode I use a radcombobox to display the text from the lookup and with the valueField being the lookupID
When in view mode, I don't want to display the smallint values as they are meaningless to to the user. I have gotten around my problem by displaying the radcombo box disabled to get the display values I want but is not visually appealing.

How have others solved this problem using normalized tables as the datasource.

[Tsvetoslav]

Hi Jeff,

I am sending you a small sample that demonstrates two approaches to achieving your requirement - one uses a GridTemplateColumn and the other a GridDropDownColumn. The columns in question are SupplierID and CategoryID.

Hope it helps.
 
All the best,
Tsvetoslav
the Telerik team

[Olle]

Hi!

I have the same question but I am using Entity Framwork 6. What is the best approach then?

/Olle

[Konstantin Dikov]

Hello Olle,

You can use the same approach that is demonstrated with SqlDataSource, but with the EntityDataSource instead. I should only mention that with Entity Framework 6 you need to use the new EntityDataSource that was introduced recently.

In the following article you could find detailed information for the new EntityDataSource:

• Announcing the release of Dynamic Data provider and EntityDataSource control for Entity Framework 6

Hope this helps.


Regards,
Konstantin Dikov
Telerik