What is a data binding?

Question

What is a data binding?

Answer 1

Binding generally refers to a mapping of one thing to another - i.e. a datasource to a presentation object. It can typically refer to binding data from a database, or similar source (XML file, web service etc) to a presentation control or element - think list or table in HTML, combo box or data grid in desktop software.

You generally have to bind the presentation element to the datasource, not the other way around. This would involve some kind of mapping - i.e. which fields from the datasource do you want to appear in the output.

For more information in a couple of environments see:

• Data binding in .Net using Windows Forms
  • http://www.codeproject.com/KB/database/databindingconcepts.aspx
  • http://www.akadia.com/services/dotnet_databinding.html
• ASP.NET data binding
  • http://support.microsoft.com/kb/307860
  • http://www.15seconds.com/issue/040630.htm
  • http://www.w3schools.com/ASPNET/aspnet_databinding.asp
• Java data binding
  • http://www.xml.com/pub/a/2003/09/03/binding.html
• Python data binding
  • http://www.xml.com/pub/a/2005/07/27/py-xml.html
• General XML data binding
  • http://www.rpbourret.com/xml/XMLDataBinding.htm

Answer 2

Dear me, I have a question.

Why me, do ask away! I surely have the answer for myself!

edit for the sarcasm impared: This is a statement, not a question. And who would up this other than this guy's buddies? This smells.

editing the edit: Really? Really? That seems kinda... weird. Ask a question and answer it yourself? Sounds more like an FYI than a question. Formatting a FYI as a question in order to shoehorn it onto the website seems ... kludgy. Like what you do when your software doesn't allow you to do what you want, so you put comments about the customer in the 2nd phone number textbox.

Answer 3

@Will It's actually a good practice. It's aproved by the creators of SO. though i personally think the question itself doesnt merit so many upvotes, thats another subject.