Inserting Values into Datatables

Question

Hi, I have a DataTable populated with values from a database. I have another datatable that I am creating which has the same column names from the first, pluse some extra data that I need for creating a CSV down the line. What I would like to do is take the data from the first table and use it to populate the second table, then later on I can fill in the other data.

I know I can do this in a very mechanical fashion, by looping though, creating new rows and then populating cell for cell from the first table.

I'm hoping someone knows something a little slicker.

Jim

Answer 1

I think this is what you are looking for DataTable.Merge

Answer 2

You can use the Merge method on the datatable. The only thing you need to be aware of is that both DataTables need to have a primary key. The one that comes from the DB probably already does, but then one you're populating in memory most likely does not.

You can easily set the primary key like this:

table.PrimaryKey = new DataColumn[] { table.Columns[0]}; //or whatever column you want.