Data Grids

Using datagrids to add, update, display/retrieve data

Datagrids are a really neat way of displaying multiple records at the same time on a form. They look a bit like a table, with column headings (fields or data items) and rows (records from a textfile).

These videos show you all you need to know about creating a datagrid, displaying, adding and updating data from textfiles using a datagrid.

Creating a DataGrid

Alternatively, you could add a datagrid to your form and then use this code to create the columns in your datagrid:

Adding & Updating Data

Displaying / Retrieving Data

Checking the update works

Clearing a datagrid

Choosing a value in the datagrid, then displaying associated data in textboxes

More complex data grid functionality

What if I want to add additional fields to the datagrid, which are not in the textfile?

There are two ways to create a datagrid, so there are also two ways to add columns to the grid:

Option 1:

As described earlier, the datagrid can be created in the code. To add an extra column, add 1 to the ColumnCount (change it to 6 in this example), then add a new line of code:

DataGridView1.Columns(5).Name = "Totals"

Option 2:

You can also create a datagrid by adding one to your form from the toolbox, then adding the columns, one at a time.

Name = what VB will refer to it as e.g. Totals

Header Text = what you want to see as your column heading e.g. Total (£)

When you want to create additional columns in your datagrid, just add your new column in the same way as you set up your datagrid. Click on the little triangle in the top right of the datagrid and choose Add Column..