How to use Eval() data in a method within a repeater

Question

I've written a method that checks and returns the status code of a URL. Then I used a repeater to grab rows from my db. What I'm trying to figure out is how to use the data returned in the repeater in a method called within the repeater. Here's the code for the ItemTemplate.

<ItemTemplate>
    <tr class="alt">
        <td><%# Eval("Bounce_from") %></td>
        <td><%# Eval("Bounce_to") %></td>
        <td><%# Eval("is301") %></td>
        <td><% Response.Write(exist(Eval("Bounce_to")));  %></td>
    </tr>
</ItemTemplate>

<% Response.Write( exist(Eval("Bounce_to")) ); %> is where I'm struggling. I've searched and can't find the answer. Hopefully someone can point me in the right direction...thanks in advance.

Answer 1

Just as simple as

<td><%# exist(Eval("Bounce_to")) %></td>

This is assuming exist is available on the markup (it should at least protected page method) and accepts object as an input argument since Eval returns object.

Basically <%# %> runs whatever code is inside it in data binding context (thus Eval is available) and outputs the final value to the markup.

Answer 2

Without actually seeing your Repeater in entirety, it will be difficult to troubleshoot. But a working example, that may help you solve your issue.

<asp:Repeater Id="rpCustomer" runat="server" DataSourceId="dsCustomer">
     <ItemTemplate>

     </ItemTemplate>
</asp:Repeater>

The important part of the repeater, is the DataSourceId . You want to ensure it is correctly configured and indeed pulling the data out of the database.

The second part, is almost as if your attempting to call a method for the Eval() . That way you can modify the data, at any given point as the data source is iterating.

<!-- An Example -->
<%# Truncate(Eval("Description").ToString()) %>

So, in my case Truncate would be on the code behind like a traditional method:

protected string Truncate(string source)
{
     // Logic and Include valid Data Return
}

This will allow quick manipulation of data being pulled out of the database before it is displayed within the View State .

<!-- Final Result: -->
    <asp:Repeater Id="rpCustomer" runat="server" DataSourceId="dsCustomer">
         <ItemTemplate>
               <%# Truncate(Eval("Description").ToString()) %>
         </ItemTemplate>
    </asp:Repeater>