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Multiple Search Criteria in SQL for ASP.Net(VB)

I'm trying to create a search engine which i'm sure someone here has probably created or something similar, might as well not recreate the wheel. I'm using a SQL database and ASP.Net (VB). I want to be able to search the database from a search page (calibration.aspx) with the following on the page:

The colums will be loaded into a drop down box where you will be able to select what column you want to search. Next to the drop down box will be an operator box where you will be able to choose whether you want to do a search taht is >, <, or = to the text box next to it on the right. This text box will be the value you are looking for in that column.

Now here's the tricky part for me. I want to be able to have a button underneath so that when you click it, you can have another search criteria right underneath it. It's cleaner this way instead of just listing 4 rows of search criteria.

Let me know if you need anymore info. The sooner the better.

Thanks in advance!

ullfindsmit

save the search criterias in a datatable which you store in the session

when they click "add another criteria" you add a row to the criteria table

so here's a concept code on it

sub page_load()
if not ispostback then
dim dtCriteria as new datatable
dtCritiria.columns.add( "comparename") ' this comes from your field dropdown
dtCriteria.columns.add( "compareType") ' this comes from your second dropdown
dtCriteria.columns.add( "compareValue") 'the values to comapre with
session("criteria") = dtCriteria
end if
end sub
now when the user clicks on addCriteria button

sub addCriteria_click(.....)
dim dr as datarow
dim dtCriteria as datatable
dtcriteria = session("criteria")
dr = dtCriteria.newrow
dr("comparename") = ddlCompare.selectedvalue
dr("compareType") = ddlCompareType.selectedValue
dr("compareValue") = txtValue.text
dtCriteria.rows.add( dr )

session( "criteria") = dtCriteria
end sub

you can use a datagrid and assign the dtCriteria as its datasource
make sure you rebind it on the addCriteria_click event as well

hoep this helps
-Smit.

NP2322

ASKER

I'm sort of new to ASP.Net so some of the things you are saying are kind of confusing.

1. save the search criterias in a datatable which you store in the session

- Could you be a bit more detailed with this part? by datatable do you mean i should use a sql table?

2. dim dtCriteria as new datatable

- I guess this would stem from the first question, when i pasted it into the page, datatable was unrecognized.

3. you can use a datagrid and assign the dtCriteria as its datasource. make sure you rebind it on the addCriteria_click event as well

-I understand using the data grid part, but i'm a bit confused with the rebind.

Thanks

ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION

ullfindsmit

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