How to Bind Data to the GridView Control in ASP.NET Using DataTable

Last Updated: 18th June 2025

The GridView control in ASP.NET is one of the most widely used controls for displaying data in a tabular format. It is a powerful and flexible control, allowing developers to manage data with minimal effort. One of the key advantages of the GridView is its ease of integration with a database.

In this tutorial, we will walk you through the process of binding data to the GridView control using a DataTable from the code-behind in ASP.NET. Whether you're new to ASP.NET or looking to enhance your skills, this guide will provide step-by-step instructions to help you populate your GridView with dynamic data.

GridView CodeBehind Data Bound

The Markup

All we need is a GridView control that we will bind with an SQL Server table, from code behind.

<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
<head>
    <title>GridView Code Behind DataBound</title>
</head>
<body>
    <form id="frmGridViewDemo" runat="server">
        <div>
            <asp:GridView ID="GridView" 
                Font-Names="Arial" 
                Font-Size="0.75em" 
                CellPadding="5" CellSpacing="0" ForeColor="#333" 
                runat="server">
               
                <HeaderStyle BackColor="#989898" 
                ForeColor="white" />
                
            </asp:GridView>
        </div>
    </form>
</body>
</html>

Code Behind (C#)

using System;
using System.Collections.Generic;
using System.Linq;
using System.Web;
using System.Web.UI;
using System.Web.UI.WebControls;
using System.Data;
using System.Data.SqlClient;

public partial class _Default : System.Web.UI.Page 
{
    protected void Page_Load(object sender, EventArgs e)
    {
        // SET THE CONNECTION STRING.
        string sCon = "Data Source=dna;Persist Security Info=False;" +
            "Integrated Security=SSPI;" +
            "Initial Catalog=DNA_CLASSIFIED;User Id=sa;Password=demo;Connect Timeout=30;";

        using (SqlConnection con = new SqlConnection(sCon))
        {
            using (SqlCommand cmd = new SqlCommand("SELECT *FROM dbo.Employee"))
            {
                SqlDataAdapter sda = new SqlDataAdapter();
                try
                {
                    cmd.Connection = con;
                    con.Open();
                    sda.SelectCommand = cmd;

                    DataTable dt = new DataTable();
                    sda.Fill(dt);

                    ' Bind the database to the GridView control.
                    GridView.DataSource = dt;
                    GridView.DataBind();
                }
                catch (Exception ex)
                {   
                    Console.WriteLine("An error occurred: " + ex.Message);
                }
            }
        }
    }
}

Remember: The using statement ensures that objects like the SqlConnection, SqlCommand, and SqlDataAdapter are automatically disposed of when no longer needed, preventing memory leaks or connection issues.

Error Handling: Provides a better foundation for logging exceptions, which can help during debugging or when providing feedback to users.

Code Behind (VB.NET)

Option Explicit On
Imports System.Data                        ' FOR "DataTable"
Imports System.Data.SqlClient

Partial Class _Default
    Inherits System.Web.UI.Page

    Protected Sub frmGridViewDemo_Load(ByVal sender As Object, ByVal e As System.EventArgs) _
        Handles frmGridViewDemo.Load
        
        If Not IsPostBack Then
            ' Set the connection string.
            Dim sCon As String = "Data Source=intel;Persist Security Info=False;" & _
                Integrated Security=SSPI;" & _
                "Initial Catalog=DNA_CLASSIFIED;User Id=sa;Password=demo;Connect Timeout=30;"

            Using con As SqlConnection = New SqlConnection(sCon)
                Using cmd As SqlCommand = New SqlCommand("SELECT *FROM dbo.Employee")

                    Dim sda As SqlDataAdapter = New SqlDataAdapter
                    Try
                        cmd.Connection = con : con.Open()
                        sda.SelectCommand = cmd

                        Dim dt As DataTable = New DataTable
                        sda.Fill(dt)

                        ' Bind the database to the GridView control.
                        GridView.DataSource = dt
                        GridView.DataBind()
                    Catch ex As Exception
                        Console.WriteLine("An error occurred: " & ex.Message)
                    Finally
                        ' Ensure the connection is closed in case of an exception.
                        If con.State = ConnectionState.Open Then
                            con.Close()
                        End If
                    End Try
                End Using
            End Using
        End If
    End Sub
End Class

Conclusion

Binding data to the GridView control in ASP.NET using a DataTable is an efficient way to display dynamic data in a structured, tabular format. By following the steps outlined in this tutorial, you can easily connect your GridView to a DataTable and populate it with data from various sources, such as databases or in-memory data.

With the GridView's built-in capabilities for sorting, paging, and editing, it remains one of the most powerful and flexible controls in ASP.NET. By mastering how to bind data properly, you can create highly interactive and responsive web applications with ease.

How to Bind Data to the GridView Control in ASP.NET Using DataTable - C# and VB.NET

Conclusion