Persisting Search Context in RadSearchBox for ASP.NET AJAX

Updated on Dec 16, 2025

Environment

Product

Telerik WebForms SearchBox for ASP.NET AJAX

Description

When using the RadSearchBox in ASP.NET AJAX applications, it may be necessary to preserve the user's last search context even after the page reloads. This KB article also answers the following questions:

• How can I save the search context of RadSearchBox into local storage?
• How do I automatically set the search context in RadSearchBox on page load?
• What is the best way to persist search information in a web application?

Solution

To persist the search context of a RadSearchBox, follow these steps:

1. Handle the OnClientSearch event to save the current search context into the local storage.
2. Use the OnClientLoad event to preset the search context from the local storage when the RadSearchBox loads.

Step-by-Step Implementation

1. Add the RadSearchBox to your ASP.NET Page:

   Define the RadSearchBox control with OnClientLoad and OnClientSearch event handlers.

   ASP.NET

   <telerik:RadSearchBox runat="server" ID="RadSearchBox1" DataSourceID="SqlDataSource1" OnClientLoad="onLoad" 
       OnClientSearch="onClientSearch" DataKeyNames="FirstName" DataTextField="FirstName" EnableAutoComplete="true">
   </telerik:RadSearchBox>
   
   <asp:SqlDataSource runat="server" ID="SqlDataSource1" ConnectionString="<%$ ConnectionStrings:NorthwindConnectionString %>"
       ProviderName="System.Data.SqlClient" SelectCommand="SELECT [FirstName], [LastName], [EmployeeID] FROM [Employees]"></asp:SqlDataSource>

2. Implement the JavaScript Functions:

   • The onClientSearch function captures the current search context and stores it in local storage.
   • The onLoad function retrieves the stored search context and sets it as the value of the input element of RadSearchBox when the page loads.
   JavaScript

   function onClientSearch(sender, args) {
       var searchContext = args.get_text();
       localStorage.setItem('LastSearchContext', searchContext);
   }
   
   function onLoad(sender, args) {
       var searchBox = $find("<%= RadSearchBox1.ClientID %>");
       var inputElement = searchBox.get_inputElement();
   
       var lastSearch = localStorage.getItem('LastSearchContext'); // Retrieve the search context from local storage
       if (lastSearch) {
           inputElement.value = lastSearch;
       }
   }

By following these steps, the RadSearchBox will remember the user's last search context even after the page is reloaded, enhancing the user experience.

See Also

• RadSearchBox Overview
• RadSearchBox Client-Side Programming
• Using LocalStorage in Web Applications