User Interface/Navigation Guidance 1

[TimothyP]

I am programming in VB.net using visual studio 2003 and SQL 2000.

I am in the process of learning different UI techniques that can be applied to web applications. I haven't found any good resources illustrating possible navigational methods to learn from. For instance, most books/Google searches I've referenced have very basic DataGrid examples. I am wondering what people do to take it to the next level. Like, making the DataGrid more dynamic by returning the rows as links. When the user clicks on the link in one of the DataGrid rows it pops a detail page for data maintenance. How is this accomplished? Designing and building a system from scratch is a new experience for me. In conjunction with Tek-Tips, I'm looking for additional resources to learn the best practices to apply. Any suggestions?

Thank you for your time.
Tim

 

[jbenson001]

Like, making the DataGrid more dynamic by returning the rows as links. When the user clicks on the link in one of the DataGrid rows it pops a detail page for data maintenance. How is this accomplished?

The datagrid can be very dynamic and do exactly what you are looking for. You would make each column a link if you like, using a HyperLink control for example.
There are many good threads in here, as well as many good articles and examples on line. Here is a great article that will help you in learning the DataGrid.

http://aspnet.4guysfromrolla.com/articles/040502-1.aspx

Jim

 

[jshurst]

Also, if you're interested in the datagrid check out TemplateColumns. They are very flexible and can do just about anything. Also if the datagrid is too restrictive then you can use a datalist or a repeater.

If you want to take it to the next level then use AJAX but only when you need AJAX functionality and when it makes a better user experience.

J