How to query data in SharePoint from multiple lists

Question

Hello All,

I have multiple SharePoint lists and want to display data from them on to a gridview control.

Please guide me.

Grace

Answer 1

Two options that I can think of:

1. SPSiteDataQuery
2. Set up a search scope, metadata, and then query your Scope using Enterprise Search SQL and FullTextSqlQuery

Answer 2

With SharePoint 2007 you can use CrossListQueryCache and CrossListQueryInfo. More information here.

Answer 3

Your question inspired me to develop a web part that demonstrates:

1. How to query SharePoint data in the many ways offered by the API, and
2. How to bind it to a grid view.

It can be found on CodePlex here. Some of it is a little rough but it should be enough to show you the basics. It demonstrates the following query types:

• For loop (if that counts)
• GetListItems from Lists web service
• SPQuery for SPList objects
• SPSiteDataQuery for cross-site list queries
• CrossListQueryInfo for cached cross-site list queries
• PortalSiteMapProvider for SharePoint Server publishing sites only

There is code for using the search engine but this isn't wired up to the web part itself yet.

I hope it helps you. If you try it and have problems please use the CodePlex site to get support from me.