`DataRow` Field

DataRow in VB.NET has a Field Function. This provides support for getting a field with no casting required. The field value is returned in the object type specified.

Field is a generic Function—we use it with special syntax. We must specify a type parameter like (Of String) in the function call.

Example

This program first creates a DataTable. The table has 4 columns (Weight, Name, Code and Date). With For Each, we loop over the rows in the table.

And For each row, we call the Field() extension four times. In this way we get typed fields from the row.

Tip We can use an index argument (0, 2) to the Field extension. Or we can use a string argument ("Name", "Date").

Also The Field extension is a Generic Function. We use a type argument, such as (Of Integer), with it. This indicates the return type.

Module Module1

    Sub Main()

        ' Create new table.
        Dim table As DataTable = New DataTable
        table.Columns.Add("Weight", GetType(Integer))
        table.Columns.Add("Name", GetType(String))
        table.Columns.Add("Code", GetType(String))
        table.Columns.Add("Date", GetType(DateTime))
        table.Rows.Add(57, "Koko", "A", DateTime.Now)
        table.Rows.Add(130, "Fido", "B", DateTime.Now)
        table.Rows.Add(92, "Alex", "C", DateTime.Now)
        table.Rows.Add(25, "Charles", "D", DateTime.Now)
        table.Rows.Add(7, "Candy", "E", DateTime.Now)

        ' Loop over rows.
        For Each row As DataRow In table.Rows

            ' Get fields.
            Dim weight As Integer = row.Field(Of Integer)(0)
            Dim name As String = row.Field(Of String)("Name")
            Dim code As String = row.Field(Of String)(2)
            Dim date1 As DateTime = row.Field(Of DateTime)("Date")

            ' Display fields.
            Console.WriteLine("{0} {1} {2} {3}", weight, name, code, date1)

        Next

    End Sub

End Module57 Koko A 6/10/2013 5:00:47 PM
130 Fido B 6/10/2013 5:00:47 PM
92 Alex C 6/10/2013 5:00:47 PM
25 Charles D 6/10/2013 5:00:47 PM
7 Candy E 6/10/2013 5:00:47 PM

Notes, casting

Casting often leads to problems because of its confusing syntax and the extra steps needed. With Field, objects are returned strongly-typed—no casting is needed.

With DataRow, cells can be retried with the Items array. But the Field generic Function can also be used. It can lead to clearer code when using DataTable.

DataRow Field

Example

Notes, casting

`DataRow` Field