DataTable.Load Method

Definition

Fills a DataTable with values from a data source using the supplied IDataReader. If the DataTable already contains rows, the incoming data from the data source is merged with the existing rows.

Overloads

Load(IDataReader)

Fills a DataTable with values from a data source using the supplied IDataReader. If the DataTable already contains rows, the incoming data from the data source is merged with the existing rows.

Load(IDataReader, LoadOption)

Fills a DataTable with values from a data source using the supplied IDataReader. If the DataTable already contains rows, the incoming data from the data source is merged with the existing rows according to the value of the loadOption parameter.

Load(IDataReader, LoadOption, FillErrorEventHandler)

Fills a DataTable with values from a data source using the supplied IDataReader using an error-handling delegate.

Examples

The following example demonstrates several of the issues involved with calling the Load method. First, the example focuses on schema issues, including inferring a schema from the loaded IDataReader, and then handling incompatible schemas, and schemas with missing or additional columns. The example then focuses on data issues, including handling the various loading options.

Note

This example shows how to use one of the overloaded versions of Load. For other examples that might be available, see the individual overload topics.

static void Main()
{
    // This example examines a number of scenarios involving the
    // DataTable.Load method.
    Console.WriteLine("Load a DataTable and infer its schema:");

    // The table has no schema. The Load method will infer the
    // schema from the IDataReader:
    DataTable table = new DataTable();

    // Retrieve a data reader, based on the Customers data. In
    // an application, this data might be coming from a middle-tier
    // business object:
    DataTableReader reader = new DataTableReader(GetCustomers());

    table.Load(reader);
    PrintColumns(table);

    Console.WriteLine(" ============================= ");
    Console.WriteLine("Load a DataTable from an incompatible IDataReader:");

    // Create a table with a single integer column. Attempt
    // to load data from a reader with a schema that is
    // incompatible. Note the exception, determined
    // by the particular incompatibility:
    table = GetIntegerTable();
    reader = new DataTableReader(GetStringTable());
    try
    {
        table.Load(reader);
    }
    catch (Exception ex)
    {
        Console.WriteLine(ex.GetType().Name + ":" + ex.Message);
    }

    Console.WriteLine(" ============================= ");
    Console.WriteLine(
        "Load a DataTable with an IDataReader that has extra columns:");

    // Note that loading a reader with extra columns adds
    // the columns to the existing table, if possible:
    table = GetIntegerTable();
    reader = new DataTableReader(GetCustomers());
    table.Load(reader);
    PrintColumns(table);

    Console.WriteLine(" ============================= ");
    Console.WriteLine(
        "Load a DataTable with an IDataReader that has missing columns:");

    // Note that loading a reader with missing columns causes
    // the columns to be filled with null data, if possible:
    table = GetCustomers();
    reader = new DataTableReader(GetIntegerTable());
    table.Load(reader);
    PrintColumns(table);

    // Demonstrate the various possibilites when loading data into
    // a DataTable that already contains data.
    Console.WriteLine(" ============================= ");
    Console.WriteLine("Demonstrate data considerations:");
    Console.WriteLine("Current value, Original value, (RowState)");
    Console.WriteLine(" ============================= ");
    Console.WriteLine("Original table:");

    table = SetupModifiedRows();
    DisplayRowState(table);

    Console.WriteLine(" ============================= ");
    Console.WriteLine("Data in IDataReader to be loaded:");
    DisplayRowState(GetChangedCustomers());

    PerformDemo(LoadOption.OverwriteChanges);
    PerformDemo(LoadOption.PreserveChanges);
    PerformDemo(LoadOption.Upsert);

    Console.WriteLine("Press any key to continue.");
    Console.ReadKey();
}

private static void DisplayRowState(DataTable table)
{
    for (int i = 0; i <= table.Rows.Count - 1; i++)
    {
        object current = "--";
        object original = "--";
        DataRowState rowState = table.Rows[i].RowState;

        // Attempt to retrieve the current value, which doesn't exist
        // for deleted rows:
        if (rowState != DataRowState.Deleted)
        {
            current = table.Rows[i]["Name", DataRowVersion.Current];
        }

        // Attempt to retrieve the original value, which doesn't exist
        // for added rows:
        if (rowState != DataRowState.Added)
        {
            original = table.Rows[i]["Name", DataRowVersion.Original];
        }
        Console.WriteLine("{0}: {1}, {2} ({3})", i, current,
            original, rowState);
    }
}

private static DataTable GetChangedCustomers()
{
    // Create sample Customers table.
    DataTable table = new DataTable();

    // Create two columns, ID and Name.
    DataColumn idColumn = table.Columns.Add("ID", typeof(int));
    table.Columns.Add("Name", typeof(string));

    // Set the ID column as the primary key column.
    table.PrimaryKey = new DataColumn[] { idColumn };

    table.Rows.Add(new object[] { 0, "XXX" });
    table.Rows.Add(new object[] { 1, "XXX" });
    table.Rows.Add(new object[] { 2, "XXX" });
    table.Rows.Add(new object[] { 3, "XXX" });
    table.Rows.Add(new object[] { 4, "XXX" });
    table.AcceptChanges();
    return table;
}

private static DataTable GetCustomers()
{
    // Create sample Customers table, in order
    // to demonstrate the behavior of the DataTableReader.
    DataTable table = new DataTable();

    // Create two columns, ID and Name.
    DataColumn idColumn = table.Columns.Add("ID", typeof(int));
    table.Columns.Add("Name", typeof(string));

    // Set the ID column as the primary key column.
    table.PrimaryKey = new DataColumn[] { idColumn };

    table.Rows.Add(new object[] { 0, "Mary" });
    table.Rows.Add(new object[] { 1, "Andy" });
    table.Rows.Add(new object[] { 2, "Peter" });
    table.AcceptChanges();
    return table;
}

private static DataTable GetIntegerTable()
{
    // Create sample Customers table, in order
    // to demonstrate the behavior of the DataTableReader.
    DataTable table = new DataTable();

    // Create two columns, ID and Name.
    DataColumn idColumn = table.Columns.Add("ID", typeof(int));

    // Set the ID column as the primary key column.
    table.PrimaryKey = new DataColumn[] { idColumn };

    table.Rows.Add(new object[] { 4 });
    table.Rows.Add(new object[] { 5 });
    table.AcceptChanges();
    return table;
}

private static DataTable GetStringTable()
{
    // Create sample Customers table, in order
    // to demonstrate the behavior of the DataTableReader.
    DataTable table = new DataTable();

    // Create two columns, ID and Name.
    DataColumn idColumn = table.Columns.Add("ID", typeof(string));

    // Set the ID column as the primary key column.
    table.PrimaryKey = new DataColumn[] { idColumn };

    table.Rows.Add(new object[] { "Mary" });
    table.Rows.Add(new object[] { "Andy" });
    table.Rows.Add(new object[] { "Peter" });
    table.AcceptChanges();
    return table;
}

private static void PerformDemo(LoadOption optionForLoad)
{

    // Load data into a DataTable, retrieve a DataTableReader containing
    // different data, and call the Load method. Depending on the
    // LoadOption value passed as a parameter, this procedure displays
    // different results in the DataTable.
    Console.WriteLine(" ============================= ");
    Console.WriteLine("table.Load(reader, {0})", optionForLoad);
    Console.WriteLine(" ============================= ");

    DataTable table = SetupModifiedRows();
    DataTableReader reader = new DataTableReader(GetChangedCustomers());
    table.RowChanging +=new DataRowChangeEventHandler(HandleRowChanging);

    table.Load(reader, optionForLoad);
    Console.WriteLine();
    DisplayRowState(table);
}

private static void PrintColumns(DataTable table)
{
    // Loop through all the rows in the DataTableReader
    foreach (DataRow row in table.Rows)
    {
        for (int i = 0; i < table.Columns.Count; i++)
        {
            Console.Write(row[i] + " ");
        }
        Console.WriteLine();
    }
}

private static DataTable SetupModifiedRows()
{
    // Fill a DataTable with customer info, and
    // then modify, delete, and add rows.

    DataTable table = GetCustomers();
    // Row 0 is unmodified.
    // Row 1 is modified.
    // Row 2 is deleted.
    // Row 3 is added.
    table.Rows[1]["Name"] = "Sydney";
    table.Rows[2].Delete();
    DataRow row = table.NewRow();
    row["ID"] = 3;
    row["Name"] = "Melony";
    table.Rows.Add(row);

    // Note that the code doesn't call
    // table.AcceptChanges()
    return table;
}

static void HandleRowChanging(object sender, DataRowChangeEventArgs e)
{
    Console.WriteLine(
        "RowChanging event: ID = {0}, action = {1}", e.Row["ID"],
        e.Action);
}
Sub Main()
  Dim table As New DataTable()

  ' This example examines a number of scenarios involving the 
  ' DataTable.Load method.
  Console.WriteLine("Load a DataTable and infer its schema:")

  ' Retrieve a data reader, based on the Customers data. In
  ' an application, this data might be coming from a middle-tier
  ' business object:
  Dim reader As New DataTableReader(GetCustomers())

  ' The table has no schema. The Load method will infer the 
  ' schema from the IDataReader:
  table.Load(reader)
  PrintColumns(table)

  Console.WriteLine(" ============================= ")
  Console.WriteLine("Load a DataTable from an incompatible IDataReader:")

  ' Create a table with a single integer column. Attempt
  ' to load data from a reader with a schema that is 
  ' incompatible. Note the exception, determined
  ' by the particular incompatibility:
  table = GetIntegerTable()
  reader = New DataTableReader(GetStringTable())
  Try
    table.Load(reader)
  Catch ex As Exception
    Console.WriteLine(ex.GetType.Name & ":" & ex.Message())
  End Try

  Console.WriteLine(" ============================= ")
  Console.WriteLine( _
      "Load a DataTable with an IDataReader that has extra columns:")

  ' Note that loading a reader with extra columns adds
  ' the columns to the existing table, if possible:
  table = GetIntegerTable()
  reader = New DataTableReader(GetCustomers())
  table.Load(reader)
  PrintColumns(table)

  Console.WriteLine(" ============================= ")
  Console.WriteLine( _
      "Load a DataTable with an IDataReader that has missing columns:")

  ' Note that loading a reader with missing columns causes 
  ' the columns to be filled with null data, if possible:
  table = GetCustomers()
  reader = New DataTableReader(GetIntegerTable())
  table.Load(reader)
  PrintColumns(table)

  ' Demonstrate the various possibilites when loading data into
  ' a DataTable that already contains data.
  Console.WriteLine(" ============================= ")
  Console.WriteLine("Demonstrate data considerations:")
  Console.WriteLine("Current value, Original value, (RowState)")
  Console.WriteLine(" ============================= ")
  Console.WriteLine("Original table:")

  table = SetupModifiedRows()
  DisplayRowState(table)

  Console.WriteLine(" ============================= ")
  Console.WriteLine("Data in IDataReader to be loaded:")
  DisplayRowState(GetChangedCustomers())

  PerformDemo(LoadOption.OverwriteChanges)
  PerformDemo(LoadOption.PreserveChanges)
  PerformDemo(LoadOption.Upsert)

  Console.WriteLine("Press any key to continue.")
  Console.ReadKey()
End Sub

Private Sub DisplayRowState(ByVal table As DataTable)
  For i As Integer = 0 To table.Rows.Count - 1
    Dim current As Object = "--"
    Dim original As Object = "--"
    Dim rowState As DataRowState = table.Rows(i).RowState

    ' Attempt to retrieve the current value, which doesn't exist
    ' for deleted rows:
    If rowState <> DataRowState.Deleted Then
      current = table.Rows(i)("Name", DataRowVersion.Current)
    End If

    ' Attempt to retrieve the original value, which doesn't exist
    ' for added rows:
    If rowState <> DataRowState.Added Then
      original = table.Rows(i)("Name", DataRowVersion.Original)
    End If
    Console.WriteLine("{0}: {1}, {2} ({3})", i, current, original, rowState)
  Next
End Sub

Private Function GetChangedCustomers() As DataTable
  ' Create sample Customers table.
  Dim table As New DataTable

  ' Create two columns, ID and Name.
  Dim idColumn As DataColumn = table.Columns.Add("ID", GetType(Integer))
  table.Columns.Add("Name", GetType(String))

  ' Set the ID column as the primary key column.
  table.PrimaryKey = New DataColumn() {idColumn}

  table.Rows.Add(New Object() {0, "XXX"})
  table.Rows.Add(New Object() {1, "XXX"})
  table.Rows.Add(New Object() {2, "XXX"})
  table.Rows.Add(New Object() {3, "XXX"})
  table.Rows.Add(New Object() {4, "XXX"})
  table.AcceptChanges()
  Return table
End Function

Private Function GetCustomers() As DataTable
  ' Create sample Customers table.
  Dim table As New DataTable

  ' Create two columns, ID and Name.
  Dim idColumn As DataColumn = table.Columns.Add("ID", GetType(Integer))
  table.Columns.Add("Name", GetType(String))

  ' Set the ID column as the primary key column.
  table.PrimaryKey = New DataColumn() {idColumn}

  table.Rows.Add(New Object() {0, "Mary"})
  table.Rows.Add(New Object() {1, "Andy"})
  table.Rows.Add(New Object() {2, "Peter"})
  table.AcceptChanges()
  Return table
End Function

Private Function GetIntegerTable() As DataTable
  ' Create sample table with a single Int32 column.
  Dim table As New DataTable

  Dim idColumn As DataColumn = table.Columns.Add("ID", GetType(Integer))

  ' Set the ID column as the primary key column.
  table.PrimaryKey = New DataColumn() {idColumn}

  table.Rows.Add(New Object() {4})
  table.Rows.Add(New Object() {5})
  table.AcceptChanges()
  Return table
End Function

Private Function GetStringTable() As DataTable
  ' Create sample table with a single String column.
  Dim table As New DataTable

  Dim idColumn As DataColumn = table.Columns.Add("ID", GetType(String))

  ' Set the ID column as the primary key column.
  table.PrimaryKey = New DataColumn() {idColumn}

  table.Rows.Add(New Object() {"Mary"})
  table.Rows.Add(New Object() {"Andy"})
  table.Rows.Add(New Object() {"Peter"})
  table.AcceptChanges()
  Return table
End Function

Private Sub PerformDemo(ByVal optionForLoad As LoadOption)

  ' Load data into a DataTable, retrieve a DataTableReader containing
  ' different data, and call the Load method. Depending on the
  ' LoadOption value passed as a parameter, this procedure displays
  ' different results in the DataTable.
  Console.WriteLine(" ============================= ")
  Console.WriteLine("table.Load(reader, {0})", optionForLoad)
  Console.WriteLine(" ============================= ")

  Dim table As DataTable = SetupModifiedRows()
  Dim reader As New DataTableReader(GetChangedCustomers())
  AddHandler table.RowChanging, New _
      DataRowChangeEventHandler(AddressOf HandleRowChanging)

  table.Load(reader, optionForLoad)
  Console.WriteLine()
  DisplayRowState(table)
End Sub

Private Sub PrintColumns( _
   ByVal table As DataTable)

  ' Loop through all the rows in the DataTableReader.
  For Each row As DataRow In table.Rows
    For Each col As DataColumn In table.Columns
      Console.Write(row(col).ToString() & " ")
    Next
    Console.WriteLine()
  Next
End Sub

Private Function SetupModifiedRows() As DataTable
  ' Fill a DataTable with customer info, and 
  ' then modify, delete, and add rows.

  Dim table As DataTable = GetCustomers()
  ' Row 0 is unmodified.
  ' Row 1 is modified.
  ' Row 2 is deleted.
  ' Row 3 is added.
  table.Rows(1)("Name") = "Sydney"
  table.Rows(2).Delete()
  Dim row As DataRow = table.NewRow
  row("ID") = 3
  row("Name") = "Melony"
  table.Rows.Add(row)

  ' Note that the code doesn't call
  ' table.AcceptChanges()
  Return table
End Function

Private Sub HandleRowChanging(ByVal sender As Object, _
  ByVal e As System.Data.DataRowChangeEventArgs)
  Console.WriteLine( _
      "RowChanging event: ID = {0}, action = {1}", e.Row("ID"), _
      e.Action)
End Sub

Remarks

The Load method can be used in several common scenarios, all centered around getting data from a specified data source and adding it to the current data container (in this case, a DataTable). These scenarios describe standard usage for a DataTable, describing its update and merge behavior.

A DataTable synchronizes or updates with a single primary data source. The DataTable tracks changes, allowing synchronization with the primary data source. In addition, a DataTable can accept incremental data from one or more secondary data sources. The DataTable isn't responsible for tracking changes in order to allow synchronization with the secondary data source.

Given these two hypothetical data sources, a user is likely to require one of the following behaviors:

  • Initialize DataTable from a primary data source. In this scenario, the user wants to initialize an empty DataTable with values from the primary data source. Later the user intends to propagate changes back to the primary data source.

  • Preserve changes and re-synchronize from the primary data source. In this scenario, the user wants to take the DataTable filled in the previous scenario and perform an incremental synchronization with the primary data source, preserving modifications made in the DataTable.

  • Incremental data feed from secondary data sources. In this scenario, the user wants to merge changes from one or more secondary data sources, and propagate those changes back to the primary data source.

The Load method makes all these scenarios possible. All but one of the overloads for this method allows you to specify a load option parameter, indicating how rows already in a DataTable combine with rows being loaded. (The overload that doesn't allow you to specify the behavior uses the default load option.) The following table describes the three load options provided by the LoadOption enumeration. In each case, the description indicates the behavior when the primary key of a row in the incoming data matches the primary key of an existing row.

Load Option Description
PreserveChanges (default) Updates the original version of the row with the value of the incoming row.
OverwriteChanges Updates the current and original versions of the row with the value of the incoming row.
Upsert Updates the current version of the row with the value of the incoming row.

In general, the PreserveChanges and OverwriteChanges options are intended for scenarios in which the user needs to synchronize the DataSet and its changes with the primary data source. The Upsert option facilitates aggregating changes from one or more secondary data sources.

Load(IDataReader)

Fills a DataTable with values from a data source using the supplied IDataReader. If the DataTable already contains rows, the incoming data from the data source is merged with the existing rows.

public:
 void Load(System::Data::IDataReader ^ reader);
public void Load (System.Data.IDataReader reader);
member this.Load : System.Data.IDataReader -> unit
Public Sub Load (reader As IDataReader)

Parameters

reader
IDataReader

An IDataReader that provides a result set.

Examples

The following example demonstrates several of the issues involved with calling the Load method. First, the example focuses on schema issues, including inferring a schema from the loaded IDataReader, and then handling incompatible schemas, and schemas with missing or additional columns. The example then calls the Load method, displaying the data both before and after the load operation.

static void Main()
{
    // This example examines a number of scenarios involving the
    // DataTable.Load method.
    Console.WriteLine("Load a DataTable and infer its schema:");

    // The table has no schema. The Load method will infer the
    // schema from the IDataReader:
    DataTable table = new DataTable();

    // Retrieve a data reader, based on the Customers data. In
    // an application, this data might be coming from a middle-tier
    // business object:
    DataTableReader reader = new DataTableReader(GetCustomers());

    table.Load(reader);
    PrintColumns(table);

    Console.WriteLine(" ============================= ");
    Console.WriteLine(
        "Load a DataTable from an incompatible IDataReader:");

    // Create a table with a single integer column. Attempt
    // to load data from a reader with a schema that is
    // incompatible. Note the exception, determined
    // by the particular incompatibility:
    table = GetIntegerTable();
    reader = new DataTableReader(GetStringTable());
    try
    {
        table.Load(reader);
    }
    catch (Exception ex)
    {
        Console.WriteLine(ex.GetType().Name + ":" + ex.Message);
    }

    Console.WriteLine(" ============================= ");
    Console.WriteLine(
        "Load a DataTable with an IDataReader that has extra columns:");

    // Note that loading a reader with extra columns adds
    // the columns to the existing table, if possible:
    table = GetIntegerTable();
    reader = new DataTableReader(GetCustomers());
    table.Load(reader);
    PrintColumns(table);

    Console.WriteLine(" ============================= ");
    Console.WriteLine(
        "Load a DataTable with an IDataReader that has missing columns:");

    // Note that loading a reader with missing columns causes
    // the columns to be filled with null data, if possible:
    table = GetCustomers();
    reader = new DataTableReader(GetIntegerTable());
    table.Load(reader);
    PrintColumns(table);

    // Demonstrate the various possibilites when loading data
    // into a DataTable that already contains data.
    Console.WriteLine(" ============================= ");
    Console.WriteLine("Demonstrate data considerations:");
    Console.WriteLine("Current value, Original value, (RowState)");
    Console.WriteLine(" ============================= ");
    Console.WriteLine("Original table:");

    table = SetupModifiedRows();
    DisplayRowState(table);

    Console.WriteLine(" ============================= ");
    Console.WriteLine("Data in IDataReader to be loaded:");
    DisplayRowState(GetChangedCustomers());

    // Load data into a DataTable, retrieve a DataTableReader
    // containing different data, and call the Load method.
    Console.WriteLine(" ============================= ");
    Console.WriteLine("table.Load(reader)");
    Console.WriteLine(" ============================= ");

    table = SetupModifiedRows();
    reader = new DataTableReader(GetChangedCustomers());
    table.Load(reader);
    DisplayRowState(table);

    Console.WriteLine("Press any key to continue.");
    Console.ReadKey();
}

private static void DisplayRowState(DataTable table)
{
    for (int i = 0; i <= table.Rows.Count - 1; i++)
    {
        object current = "--";
        object original = "--";
        DataRowState rowState = table.Rows[i].RowState;

        // Attempt to retrieve the current value, which doesn't exist
        // for deleted rows:
        if (rowState != DataRowState.Deleted)
        {
            current = table.Rows[i]["Name", DataRowVersion.Current];
        }

        // Attempt to retrieve the original value, which doesn't exist
        // for added rows:
        if (rowState != DataRowState.Added)
        {
            original = table.Rows[i]["Name", DataRowVersion.Original];
        }
        Console.WriteLine("{0}: {1}, {2} ({3})", i,
            current, original, rowState);
    }
}

private static DataTable GetChangedCustomers()
{
    // Create sample Customers table.
    DataTable table = new DataTable();

    // Create two columns, ID and Name.
    DataColumn idColumn = table.Columns.Add("ID",
        typeof(int));
    table.Columns.Add("Name", typeof(string));

    // Set the ID column as the primary key column.
    table.PrimaryKey = new DataColumn[] { idColumn };

    table.Rows.Add(new object[] { 1, "XXX" });
    table.Rows.Add(new object[] { 2, "XXX" });
    table.Rows.Add(new object[] { 3, "XXX" });
    table.Rows.Add(new object[] { 4, "XXX" });
    table.Rows.Add(new object[] { 5, "XXX" });
    table.Rows.Add(new object[] { 6, "XXX" });
    table.AcceptChanges();
    return table;
}

private static DataTable GetCustomers()
{
    // Create sample Customers table, in order
    // to demonstrate the behavior of the DataTableReader.
    DataTable table = new DataTable();

    // Create two columns, ID and Name.
    DataColumn idColumn = table.Columns.Add("ID",
        typeof(int));
    table.Columns.Add("Name", typeof(string));

    // Set the ID column as the primary key column.
    table.PrimaryKey = new DataColumn[] { idColumn };

    table.Rows.Add(new object[] { 1, "Mary" });
    table.Rows.Add(new object[] { 2, "Andy" });
    table.Rows.Add(new object[] { 3, "Peter" });
    table.Rows.Add(new object[] { 4, "Russ" });
    table.AcceptChanges();
    return table;
}

private static DataTable GetIntegerTable()
{
    // Create sample Customers table, in order
    // to demonstrate the behavior of the DataTableReader.
    DataTable table = new DataTable();

    // Create two columns, ID and Name.
    DataColumn idColumn = table.Columns.Add("ID",
        typeof(int));

    // Set the ID column as the primary key column.
    table.PrimaryKey = new DataColumn[] { idColumn };

    table.Rows.Add(new object[] { 5 });
    table.Rows.Add(new object[] { 6 });
    table.Rows.Add(new object[] { 7 });
    table.Rows.Add(new object[] { 8 });
    table.AcceptChanges();
    return table;
}

private static DataTable GetStringTable()
{
    // Create sample Customers table, in order
    // to demonstrate the behavior of the DataTableReader.
    DataTable table = new DataTable();

    // Create two columns, ID and Name.
    DataColumn idColumn = table.Columns.Add("ID",
        typeof(string));

    // Set the ID column as the primary key column.
    table.PrimaryKey = new DataColumn[] { idColumn };

    table.Rows.Add(new object[] { "Mary" });
    table.Rows.Add(new object[] { "Andy" });
    table.Rows.Add(new object[] { "Peter" });
    table.Rows.Add(new object[] { "Russ" });
    table.AcceptChanges();
    return table;
}

private static void PrintColumns(DataTable table)
{
    // Loop through all the rows in the DataTableReader
    foreach (DataRow row in table.Rows)
    {
        for (int i = 0; i < table.Columns.Count; i++)
        {
            Console.Write(row[i] + " ");
        }
        Console.WriteLine();
    }
}

private static DataTable SetupModifiedRows()
{
    // Fill a DataTable with customer info, and
    // then modify, delete, and add rows.

    DataTable table = GetCustomers();
    // Row 0 is unmodified.
    // Row 1 is modified.
    // Row 2 is deleted.
    // Row 5 is added.
    table.Rows[1]["Name"] = "Sydney";
    table.Rows[2].Delete();
    DataRow row = table.NewRow();
    row["ID"] = 5;
    row["Name"] = "Melony";
    table.Rows.Add(row);

    // Note that the code doesn't call
    // table.AcceptChanges()
    return table;
}
Sub Main()
  ' This example examines a number of scenarios involving the 
  ' DataTable.Load method.
  Console.WriteLine("Load a DataTable and infer its schema:")

  ' The table has no schema. The Load method will infer the 
  ' schema from the IDataReader:
  Dim table As New DataTable()

  ' Retrieve a data reader, based on the Customers data. In
  ' an application, this data might be coming from a middle-tier
  ' business object:
  Dim reader As New DataTableReader(GetCustomers())

  table.Load(reader)
  PrintColumns(table)

  Console.WriteLine(" ============================= ")
  Console.WriteLine( _
      "Load a DataTable from an incompatible IDataReader:")

  ' Create a table with a single integer column. Attempt
  ' to load data from a reader with a schema that is 
  ' incompatible. Note the exception, determined
  ' by the particular incompatibility:
  table = GetIntegerTable()
  reader = New DataTableReader(GetStringTable())
  Try
    table.Load(reader)
  Catch ex As Exception
    Console.WriteLine(ex.GetType.Name & ":" & ex.Message())
  End Try

  Console.WriteLine(" ============================= ")
  Console.WriteLine( _
      "Load a DataTable with an IDataReader that has extra columns:")

  ' Note that loading a reader with extra columns adds
  ' the columns to the existing table, if possible:
  table = GetIntegerTable()
  reader = New DataTableReader(GetCustomers())
  table.Load(reader)
  PrintColumns(table)

  Console.WriteLine(" ============================= ")
      Console.WriteLine( _
          "Load a DataTable with an IDataReader that has missing columns:")

  ' Note that loading a reader with missing columns causes 
  ' the columns to be filled with null data, if possible:
  table = GetCustomers()
  reader = New DataTableReader(GetIntegerTable())
  table.Load(reader)
  PrintColumns(table)

  ' Demonstrate the various possibilites when loading data into
  ' a DataTable that already contains data.
  Console.WriteLine(" ============================= ")
  Console.WriteLine("Demonstrate data considerations:")
  Console.WriteLine("Current value, Original value, (RowState)")
  Console.WriteLine(" ============================= ")
  Console.WriteLine("Original table:")

  table = SetupModifiedRows()
  DisplayRowState(table)

  Console.WriteLine(" ============================= ")
  Console.WriteLine("Data in IDataReader to be loaded:")
  DisplayRowState(GetChangedCustomers())

  ' Load data into a DataTable, retrieve a DataTableReader 
  ' containing different data, and call the Load method. 
  Console.WriteLine(" ============================= ")
  Console.WriteLine("table.Load(reader)")
  Console.WriteLine(" ============================= ")

  table = SetupModifiedRows()
  reader = New DataTableReader(GetChangedCustomers())
  table.Load(reader)
  DisplayRowState(table)

  Console.WriteLine("Press any key to continue.")
  Console.ReadKey()
End Sub

Private Sub DisplayRowState(ByVal table As DataTable)
  For i As Integer = 0 To table.Rows.Count - 1
    Dim current As Object = "--"
    Dim original As Object = "--"
    Dim rowState As DataRowState = table.Rows(i).RowState

    ' Attempt to retrieve the current value, which doesn't exist
    ' for deleted rows:
    If rowState <> DataRowState.Deleted Then
      current = table.Rows(i)("Name", DataRowVersion.Current)
    End If

    ' Attempt to retrieve the original value, which doesn't exist
    ' for added rows:
    If rowState <> DataRowState.Added Then
      original = table.Rows(i)("Name", DataRowVersion.Original)
    End If
    Console.WriteLine("{0}: {1}, {2} ({3})", i, _
      current, original, rowState)
  Next
End Sub

Private Function GetChangedCustomers() As DataTable
  ' Create sample Customers table.
  Dim table As New DataTable

  ' Create two columns, ID and Name.
  Dim idColumn As DataColumn = table.Columns.Add("ID", _
      GetType(Integer))
  table.Columns.Add("Name", GetType(String))

  ' Set the ID column as the primary key column.
  table.PrimaryKey = New DataColumn() {idColumn}

  table.Rows.Add(New Object() {1, "XXX"})
  table.Rows.Add(New Object() {2, "XXX"})
  table.Rows.Add(New Object() {3, "XXX"})
  table.Rows.Add(New Object() {4, "XXX"})
  table.Rows.Add(New Object() {5, "XXX"})
  table.Rows.Add(New Object() {6, "XXX"})
  table.AcceptChanges()
  Return table
End Function

Private Function GetCustomers() As DataTable
  ' Create sample Customers table.
  Dim table As New DataTable

  ' Create two columns, ID and Name.
  Dim idColumn As DataColumn = table.Columns.Add("ID", _
      GetType(Integer))
  table.Columns.Add("Name", GetType(String))

  ' Set the ID column as the primary key column.
  table.PrimaryKey = New DataColumn() {idColumn}

  table.Rows.Add(New Object() {1, "Mary"})
  table.Rows.Add(New Object() {2, "Andy"})
  table.Rows.Add(New Object() {3, "Peter"})
  table.Rows.Add(New Object() {4, "Russ"})
  table.AcceptChanges()
  Return table
End Function

Private Function GetIntegerTable() As DataTable
  ' Create sample table with a single Int32 column.
  Dim table As New DataTable

  Dim idColumn As DataColumn = table.Columns.Add("ID", _
      GetType(Integer))

  ' Set the ID column as the primary key column.
  table.PrimaryKey = New DataColumn() {idColumn}

  table.Rows.Add(New Object() {5})
  table.Rows.Add(New Object() {6})
  table.Rows.Add(New Object() {7})
  table.Rows.Add(New Object() {8})
  table.AcceptChanges()
  Return table
End Function

Private Function GetStringTable() As DataTable
  ' Create sample table with a single String column.
  Dim table As New DataTable

  Dim idColumn As DataColumn = table.Columns.Add("ID", _
      GetType(String))

  ' Set the ID column as the primary key column.
  table.PrimaryKey = New DataColumn() {idColumn}

  table.Rows.Add(New Object() {"Mary"})
  table.Rows.Add(New Object() {"Andy"})
  table.Rows.Add(New Object() {"Peter"})
  table.Rows.Add(New Object() {"Russ"})
  table.AcceptChanges()
  Return table
End Function

Private Sub PrintColumns( _
   ByVal table As DataTable)

  ' Loop through all the rows in the DataTableReader.
  For Each row As DataRow In table.Rows
    For Each col As DataColumn In table.Columns
      Console.Write(row(col).ToString() & " ")
    Next
    Console.WriteLine()
  Next
End Sub

Private Function SetupModifiedRows() As DataTable
  ' Fill a DataTable with customer info, and 
  ' then modify, delete, and add rows.

  Dim table As DataTable = GetCustomers()
  ' Row 0 is unmodified.
  ' Row 1 is modified.
  ' Row 2 is deleted.
  ' Row 5 is added.
  table.Rows(1)("Name") = "Sydney"
  table.Rows(2).Delete()
  Dim row As DataRow = table.NewRow
  row("ID") = 5
  row("Name") = "Melony"
  table.Rows.Add(row)

  ' Note that the code doesn't call
  ' table.AcceptChanges()
  Return table
End Function

Remarks

The Load method consumes the first result set from the loaded IDataReader, and after successful completion, sets the reader's position to the next result set, if any. When converting data, the Load method uses the same conversion rules as the DbDataAdapter.Fill method.

The Load method must take into account three specific issues when loading the data from an IDataReader instance: schema, data, and event operations. When working with the schema, the Load method may encounter conditions as described in the following table. The schema operations take place for all imported result sets, even those containing no data.

Condition Behavior
The DataTable has no schema. The Load method infers the schema based on the result set from the imported IDataReader.
The DataTable has a schema, but it is incompatible with the loaded schema. The Load method throws an exception corresponding to the particular error that occurs when attempting to load data into the incompatible schema.
The schemas are compatible, but the loaded result set schema contains columns that do not exist in the DataTable. The Load method adds the extra columns to DataTable's schema. The method throws an exception if corresponding columns in the DataTable and the loaded result set are not value compatible. The method also retrieves constraint information from the result set for all added columns. Except for the case of Primary Key constraint, this constraint information is used only if the current DataTable does not contain any columns at the start of the load operation.
The schemas are compatible, but the loaded result set schema contains fewer columns than does the DataTable. If a missing column has a default value defined or the column's data type is nullable, the Load method allows the rows to be added, substituting the default or null value for the missing column. If no default value or null can be used, then the Load method throws an exception. If no specific default value has been supplied, the Load method uses the null value as the implied default value.

Before considering the behavior of the Load method in terms of data operations, consider that each row within a DataTable maintains both the current value and the original value for each column. These values may be equivalent, or may be different if the data in the row has been changed since filling the DataTable. For more information, see Row States and Row Versions.

This version of the Load method attempts to preserve the current values in each row, leaving the original value intact. (If you want finer control over the behavior of incoming data, see DataTable.Load.) If the existing row and the incoming row contain corresponding primary key values, the row is processed using its current row state value, otherwise it's treated as a new row.

In terms of event operations, the RowChanging event occurs before each row is changed, and the RowChanged event occurs after each row has been changed. In each case, the Action property of the DataRowChangeEventArgs instance passed to the event handler contains information about the particular action associated with the event. This action value depends on the state of the row before the load operation. In each case, both events occur, and the action is the same for each. The action may be applied to either the current or original version of each row, or both, depending on the current row state.

The following table displays behavior for the Load method. The final row (labeled "(Not present)") describes the behavior for incoming rows that don't match any existing row. Each cell in this table describes the current and original value for a field within a row, along with the DataRowState for the value after the Load method has completed. In this case, the method doesn't allow you to indicate the load option, and uses the default, PreserveChanges.

Existing DataRowState Values after Load method, and event action
Added Current = <Existing>

Original = <Incoming>

State = <Modified>

RowAction = ChangeOriginal
Modified Current = <Existing>

Original = <Incoming>

State = <Modified>

RowAction = ChangeOriginal
Deleted Current = <Not available>

Original = <Incoming>

State = <Deleted>

RowAction = ChangeOriginal
Unchanged Current = <Incoming>

Original = <Incoming>

State = <Unchanged>

RowAction = ChangeCurrentAndOriginal
(Not present) Current = <Incoming>

Original = <Incoming>

State = <Unchanged>

RowAction = ChangeCurrentAndOriginal

Values in a DataColumn can be constrained through use of properties such as ReadOnly and AutoIncrement. The Load method handles such columns in a manner that is consistent with the behavior defined by the column's properties. The read only constraint on a DataColumn is applicable only for changes that occur in memory. The Load method's overwrites the read-only column values, if needed.

To determine which version of the primary key field to use for comparing the current row with an incoming row, the Load method uses the original version of the primary key value within a row, if it exists. Otherwise, the Load method uses the current version of the primary key field.

See also

Applies to

Load(IDataReader, LoadOption)

Fills a DataTable with values from a data source using the supplied IDataReader. If the DataTable already contains rows, the incoming data from the data source is merged with the existing rows according to the value of the loadOption parameter.

public:
 void Load(System::Data::IDataReader ^ reader, System::Data::LoadOption loadOption);
public void Load (System.Data.IDataReader reader, System.Data.LoadOption loadOption);
member this.Load : System.Data.IDataReader * System.Data.LoadOption -> unit
Public Sub Load (reader As IDataReader, loadOption As LoadOption)

Parameters

reader
IDataReader

An IDataReader that provides one or more result sets.

loadOption
LoadOption

A value from the LoadOption enumeration that indicates how rows already in the DataTable are combined with incoming rows that share the same primary key.

Examples

The following example demonstrates several of the issues involved with calling the Load method. First, the example focuses on schema issues, including inferring a schema from the loaded IDataReader, and then handling incompatible schemas, and schemas with missing or additional columns. The example then focuses on data issues, including handling the various loading options.

static void Main()
{
    // This example examines a number of scenarios involving the
    // DataTable.Load method.
    Console.WriteLine("Load a DataTable and infer its schema:");

    // The table has no schema. The Load method will infer the
    // schema from the IDataReader:
    DataTable table = new DataTable();

    // Retrieve a data reader, based on the Customers data. In
    // an application, this data might be coming from a middle-tier
    // business object:
    DataTableReader reader = new DataTableReader(GetCustomers());

    table.Load(reader);
    PrintColumns(table);

    Console.WriteLine(" ============================= ");
    Console.WriteLine(
        "Load a DataTable from an incompatible IDataReader:");

    // Create a table with a single integer column. Attempt
    // to load data from a reader with a schema that is
    // incompatible. Note the exception, determined
    // by the particular incompatibility:
    table = GetIntegerTable();
    reader = new DataTableReader(GetStringTable());
    try
    {
        table.Load(reader);
    }
    catch (Exception ex)
    {
        Console.WriteLine(ex.GetType().Name + ":" + ex.Message);
    }

    Console.WriteLine(" ============================= ");
    Console.WriteLine(
        "Load a DataTable with an IDataReader that has extra columns:");

    // Note that loading a reader with extra columns adds
    // the columns to the existing table, if possible:
    table = GetIntegerTable();
    reader = new DataTableReader(GetCustomers());
    table.Load(reader);
    PrintColumns(table);

    Console.WriteLine(" ============================= ");
    Console.WriteLine(
        "Load a DataTable with an IDataReader that has missing columns:");

    // Note that loading a reader with missing columns causes
    // the columns to be filled with null data, if possible:
    table = GetCustomers();
    reader = new DataTableReader(GetIntegerTable());
    table.Load(reader);
    PrintColumns(table);

    // Demonstrate the various possibilites when loading data into
    // a DataTable that already contains data.
    Console.WriteLine(" ============================= ");
    Console.WriteLine("Demonstrate data considerations:");
    Console.WriteLine("Current value, Original value, (RowState)");
    Console.WriteLine(" ============================= ");
    Console.WriteLine("Original table:");

    table = SetupModifiedRows();
    DisplayRowState(table);

    Console.WriteLine(" ============================= ");
    Console.WriteLine("Data in IDataReader to be loaded:");
    DisplayRowState(GetChangedCustomers());

    PerformDemo(LoadOption.OverwriteChanges);
    PerformDemo(LoadOption.PreserveChanges);
    PerformDemo(LoadOption.Upsert);

    Console.WriteLine("Press any key to continue.");
    Console.ReadKey();
}

private static void DisplayRowState(DataTable table)
{
    for (int i = 0; i <= table.Rows.Count - 1; i++)
    {
        object current = "--";
        object original = "--";
        DataRowState rowState = table.Rows[i].RowState;

        // Attempt to retrieve the current value, which doesn't exist
        // for deleted rows:
        if (rowState != DataRowState.Deleted)
        {
            current = table.Rows[i]["Name", DataRowVersion.Current];
        }

        // Attempt to retrieve the original value, which doesn't exist
        // for added rows:
        if (rowState != DataRowState.Added)
        {
            original = table.Rows[i]["Name", DataRowVersion.Original];
        }
        Console.WriteLine("{0}: {1}, {2} ({3})", i,
            current, original, rowState);
    }
}

private static DataTable GetChangedCustomers()
{
    // Create sample Customers table.
    DataTable table = new DataTable();

    // Create two columns, ID and Name.
    DataColumn idColumn = table.Columns.Add("ID", typeof(int));
    table.Columns.Add("Name", typeof(string));

    // Set the ID column as the primary key column.
    table.PrimaryKey = new DataColumn[] { idColumn };

    table.Rows.Add(new object[] { 0, "XXX" });
    table.Rows.Add(new object[] { 1, "XXX" });
    table.Rows.Add(new object[] { 2, "XXX" });
    table.Rows.Add(new object[] { 3, "XXX" });
    table.Rows.Add(new object[] { 4, "XXX" });
    table.AcceptChanges();
    return table;
}

private static DataTable GetCustomers()
{
    // Create sample Customers table, in order
    // to demonstrate the behavior of the DataTableReader.
    DataTable table = new DataTable();

    // Create two columns, ID and Name.
    DataColumn idColumn = table.Columns.Add("ID", typeof(int));
    table.Columns.Add("Name", typeof(string));

    // Set the ID column as the primary key column.
    table.PrimaryKey = new DataColumn[] { idColumn };

    table.Rows.Add(new object[] { 0, "Mary" });
    table.Rows.Add(new object[] { 1, "Andy" });
    table.Rows.Add(new object[] { 2, "Peter" });
    table.AcceptChanges();
    return table;
}

private static DataTable GetIntegerTable()
{
    // Create sample Customers table, in order
    // to demonstrate the behavior of the DataTableReader.
    DataTable table = new DataTable();

    // Create two columns, ID and Name.
    DataColumn idColumn = table.Columns.Add("ID", typeof(int));

    // Set the ID column as the primary key column.
    table.PrimaryKey = new DataColumn[] { idColumn };

    table.Rows.Add(new object[] { 4 });
    table.Rows.Add(new object[] { 5 });
    table.AcceptChanges();
    return table;
}

private static DataTable GetStringTable()
{
    // Create sample Customers table, in order
    // to demonstrate the behavior of the DataTableReader.
    DataTable table = new DataTable();

    // Create two columns, ID and Name.
    DataColumn idColumn = table.Columns.Add("ID", typeof(string));

    // Set the ID column as the primary key column.
    table.PrimaryKey = new DataColumn[] { idColumn };

    table.Rows.Add(new object[] { "Mary" });
    table.Rows.Add(new object[] { "Andy" });
    table.Rows.Add(new object[] { "Peter" });
    table.AcceptChanges();
    return table;
}

private static void PerformDemo(LoadOption optionForLoad)
{

    // Load data into a DataTable, retrieve a DataTableReader containing
    // different data, and call the Load method. Depending on the
    // LoadOption value passed as a parameter, this procedure displays
    // different results in the DataTable.
    Console.WriteLine(" ============================= ");
    Console.WriteLine("table.Load(reader, {0})", optionForLoad);
    Console.WriteLine(" ============================= ");

    DataTable table = SetupModifiedRows();
    DataTableReader reader = new DataTableReader(GetChangedCustomers());
    table.RowChanging +=new DataRowChangeEventHandler(HandleRowChanging);

    table.Load(reader, optionForLoad);
    Console.WriteLine();
    DisplayRowState(table);
}

private static void PrintColumns(DataTable table)
{
    // Loop through all the rows in the DataTableReader
    foreach (DataRow row in table.Rows)
    {
        for (int i = 0; i < table.Columns.Count; i++)
        {
            Console.Write(row[i] + " ");
        }
        Console.WriteLine();
    }
}

private static DataTable SetupModifiedRows()
{
    // Fill a DataTable with customer info, and
    // then modify, delete, and add rows.

    DataTable table = GetCustomers();
    // Row 0 is unmodified.
    // Row 1 is modified.
    // Row 2 is deleted.
    // Row 3 is added.
    table.Rows[1]["Name"] = "Sydney";
    table.Rows[2].Delete();
    DataRow row = table.NewRow();
    row["ID"] = 3;
    row["Name"] = "Melony";
    table.Rows.Add(row);

    // Note that the code doesn't call
    // table.AcceptChanges()
    return table;
}

static void HandleRowChanging(object sender, DataRowChangeEventArgs e)
{
    Console.WriteLine(
        "RowChanging event: ID = {0}, action = {1}", e.Row["ID"], e.Action);
}
Sub Main()
  Dim table As New DataTable()

  ' This example examines a number of scenarios involving the
  '  DataTable.Load method.
  Console.WriteLine("Load a DataTable and infer its schema:")

  ' Retrieve a data reader, based on the Customers data. In
  ' an application, this data might be coming from a middle-tier
  ' business object:
  Dim reader As New DataTableReader(GetCustomers())

  ' The table has no schema. The Load method will infer the 
  ' schema from the IDataReader:
  table.Load(reader)
  PrintColumns(table)

  Console.WriteLine(" ============================= ")
  Console.WriteLine( _
      "Load a DataTable from an incompatible IDataReader:")

  ' Create a table with a single integer column. Attempt
  ' to load data from a reader with a schema that is 
  ' incompatible. Note the exception, determined
  ' by the particular incompatibility:
  table = GetIntegerTable()
  reader = New DataTableReader(GetStringTable())
  Try
    table.Load(reader)
  Catch ex As Exception
    Console.WriteLine(ex.GetType.Name & ":" & ex.Message())
  End Try

  Console.WriteLine(" ============================= ")
  Console.WriteLine( _
      "Load a DataTable with an IDataReader that has extra columns:")

  ' Note that loading a reader with extra columns adds
  ' the columns to the existing table, if possible:
  table = GetIntegerTable()
  reader = New DataTableReader(GetCustomers())
  table.Load(reader)
  PrintColumns(table)

  Console.WriteLine(" ============================= ")
  Console.WriteLine( _
      "Load a DataTable with an IDataReader that has missing columns:")

  ' Note that loading a reader with missing columns causes 
  ' the columns to be filled with null data, if possible:
  table = GetCustomers()
  reader = New DataTableReader(GetIntegerTable())
  table.Load(reader)
  PrintColumns(table)

  ' Demonstrate the various possibilites when loading data into
  ' a DataTable that already contains data.
  Console.WriteLine(" ============================= ")
  Console.WriteLine("Demonstrate data considerations:")
  Console.WriteLine("Current value, Original value, (RowState)")
  Console.WriteLine(" ============================= ")
  Console.WriteLine("Original table:")

  table = SetupModifiedRows()
  DisplayRowState(table)

  Console.WriteLine(" ============================= ")
  Console.WriteLine("Data in IDataReader to be loaded:")
  DisplayRowState(GetChangedCustomers())

  PerformDemo(LoadOption.OverwriteChanges)
  PerformDemo(LoadOption.PreserveChanges)
  PerformDemo(LoadOption.Upsert)

  Console.WriteLine("Press any key to continue.")
  Console.ReadKey()
End Sub

Private Sub DisplayRowState(ByVal table As DataTable)
  For i As Integer = 0 To table.Rows.Count - 1
    Dim current As Object = "--"
    Dim original As Object = "--"
    Dim rowState As DataRowState = table.Rows(i).RowState

    ' Attempt to retrieve the current value, which doesn't exist
    ' for deleted rows:
    If rowState <> DataRowState.Deleted Then
      current = table.Rows(i)("Name", DataRowVersion.Current)
    End If

    ' Attempt to retrieve the original value, which doesn't exist
    ' for added rows:
    If rowState <> DataRowState.Added Then
      original = table.Rows(i)("Name", DataRowVersion.Original)
    End If
    Console.WriteLine("{0}: {1}, {2} ({3})", i, _
      current, original, rowState)
  Next
End Sub

Private Function GetChangedCustomers() As DataTable
  ' Create sample Customers table.
  Dim table As New DataTable

  ' Create two columns, ID and Name.
  Dim idColumn As DataColumn = table.Columns.Add("ID", _
      GetType(Integer))
  table.Columns.Add("Name", GetType(String))

  ' Set the ID column as the primary key column.
  table.PrimaryKey = New DataColumn() {idColumn}

  table.Rows.Add(New Object() {0, "XXX"})
  table.Rows.Add(New Object() {1, "XXX"})
  table.Rows.Add(New Object() {2, "XXX"})
  table.Rows.Add(New Object() {3, "XXX"})
  table.Rows.Add(New Object() {4, "XXX"})
  table.AcceptChanges()
  Return table
End Function

Private Function GetCustomers() As DataTable
  ' Create sample Customers table.
  Dim table As New DataTable

  ' Create two columns, ID and Name.
  Dim idColumn As DataColumn = table.Columns.Add("ID", _
      GetType(Integer))
  table.Columns.Add("Name", GetType(String))

  ' Set the ID column as the primary key column.
  table.PrimaryKey = New DataColumn() {idColumn}

  table.Rows.Add(New Object() {0, "Mary"})
  table.Rows.Add(New Object() {1, "Andy"})
  table.Rows.Add(New Object() {2, "Peter"})
  table.AcceptChanges()
  Return table
End Function

Private Function GetIntegerTable() As DataTable
  ' Create sample table with a single Int32 column.
  Dim table As New DataTable

  Dim idColumn As DataColumn = table.Columns.Add("ID", _
      GetType(Integer))

  ' Set the ID column as the primary key column.
  table.PrimaryKey = New DataColumn() {idColumn}

  table.Rows.Add(New Object() {4})
  table.Rows.Add(New Object() {5})
  table.AcceptChanges()
  Return table
End Function

Private Function GetStringTable() As DataTable
  ' Create sample table with a single String column.
  Dim table As New DataTable

  Dim idColumn As DataColumn = table.Columns.Add("ID", _
      GetType(String))

  ' Set the ID column as the primary key column.
  table.PrimaryKey = New DataColumn() {idColumn}

  table.Rows.Add(New Object() {"Mary"})
  table.Rows.Add(New Object() {"Andy"})
  table.Rows.Add(New Object() {"Peter"})
  table.AcceptChanges()
  Return table
End Function

Private Sub PerformDemo(ByVal optionForLoad As LoadOption)

  ' Load data into a DataTable, retrieve a DataTableReader containing
  ' different data, and call the Load method. Depending on the
  ' LoadOption value passed as a parameter, this procedure displays
  ' different results in the DataTable.
  Console.WriteLine(" ============================= ")
  Console.WriteLine("table.Load(reader, {0})", optionForLoad)
  Console.WriteLine(" ============================= ")

  Dim table As DataTable = SetupModifiedRows()
  Dim reader As New DataTableReader(GetChangedCustomers())
  AddHandler table.RowChanging, New _
      DataRowChangeEventHandler(AddressOf HandleRowChanging)

  table.Load(reader, optionForLoad)
  Console.WriteLine()
  DisplayRowState(table)
End Sub

Private Sub PrintColumns( _
   ByVal table As DataTable)

  ' Loop through all the rows in the DataTableReader.
  For Each row As DataRow In table.Rows
    For Each col As DataColumn In table.Columns
      Console.Write(row(col).ToString() & " ")
    Next
    Console.WriteLine()
  Next
End Sub

Private Function SetupModifiedRows() As DataTable
  ' Fill a DataTable with customer info, and 
  ' then modify, delete, and add rows.

  Dim table As DataTable = GetCustomers()
  ' Row 0 is unmodified.
  ' Row 1 is modified.
  ' Row 2 is deleted.
  ' Row 3 is added.
  table.Rows(1)("Name") = "Sydney"
  table.Rows(2).Delete()
  Dim row As DataRow = table.NewRow
  row("ID") = 3
  row("Name") = "Melony"
  table.Rows.Add(row)

  ' Note that the code doesn't call
  ' table.AcceptChanges()
  Return table
End Function

Private Sub HandleRowChanging(ByVal sender As Object, _
      ByVal e As System.Data.DataRowChangeEventArgs)
  Console.WriteLine( _
      "RowChanging event: ID = {0}, action = {1}", e.Row("ID"), e.Action)
End Sub

Remarks

The Load method consumes the first result set from the loaded IDataReader, and after successful completion, sets the reader's position to the next result set, if any. When converting data, the Load method uses the same conversion rules as the Fill method.

The Load method must take into account three specific issues when loading the data from an IDataReader instance: schema, data, and event operations. When working with the schema, the Load method may encounter conditions as described in the following table. The schema operations take place for all imported result sets, even those containing no data.

Condition Behavior
The DataTable has no schema. The Load method infers the schema based on the result set from the imported IDataReader.
The DataTable has a schema, but it is incompatible with the loaded schema. The Load method throws an exception corresponding to the particular error that occurs when attempting to load data into the incompatible schema.
The schemas are compatible, but the loaded result set schema contains columns that don't exist in the DataTable. The Load method adds the extra columns to DataTable's schema. The method throws an exception if corresponding columns in the DataTable and the loaded result set are not value compatible. The method also retrieves constraint information from the result set for all added columns. Except for the case of Primary Key constraint, this constraint information is used only if the current DataTable does not contain any columns at the start of the load operation.
The schemas are compatible, but the loaded result set schema contains fewer columns than does the DataTable. If a missing column has a default value defined or the column's data type is nullable, the Load method allows the rows to be added, substituting the default or null value for the missing column. If no default value or null can be used, then the Load method throws an exception. If no specific default value has been supplied, the Load method uses the null value as the implied default value.

Before considering the behavior of the Load method in terms of data operations, consider that each row within a DataTable maintains both the current value and the original value for each column. These values may be equivalent, or may be different if the data in the row has been changed since filling the DataTable. See Row States and Row Versions for more information.

In this method call, the specified LoadOption parameter influences the processing of the incoming data. How should the Load method handle loading rows that have the same primary key as existing rows? Should it modify current values, original values, or both? These issues, and more, are controlled by the loadOption parameter.

If the existing row and the incoming row contain corresponding primary key values, the row is processed using its current row state value, otherwise it's treated as a new row.

In terms of event operations, the RowChanging event occurs before each row is changed, and the RowChanged event occurs after each row has been changed. In each case, the Action property of the DataRowChangeEventArgs instance passed to the event handler contains information about the particular action associated with the event. This action value varies, depending on the state of the row before the load operation. In each case, both events occur, and the action is the same for each. The action may be applied to either the current or original version of each row, or both, depending on the current row state.

The following table displays behavior for the Load method when called with each of the LoadOption values, and also shows how the values interact with the row state for the row being loaded. The final row (labeled "(Not present)") describes the behavior for incoming rows that don't match any existing row. Each cell in this table describes the current and original value for a field within a row, along with the DataRowState for the value after the Load method has completed.

Existing DataRowState Upsert OverwriteChanges PreserveChanges (Default behavior)
Added Current = <Incoming>

Original = -<Not available>

State = <Added>

RowAction = Change
Current = <Incoming>

Original = <Incoming>

State = <Unchanged>

RowAction = ChangeCurrentAndOriginal
Current = <Existing>

Original = <Incoming>

State = <Modified>

RowAction = ChangeOriginal
Modified Current = <Incoming>

Original = <Existing>

State = <Modified>

RowAction = Change
Current = <Incoming>

Original = <Incoming>

State = <Unchanged>

RowAction = ChangeCurrentAndOriginal
Current = <Existing>

Original = <Incoming>

State = <Modified>

RowAction =ChangeOriginal
Deleted (Load does not affect deleted rows)

Current = ---

Original = <Existing>

State = <Deleted>

(New row is added with the following characteristics)

Current = <Incoming>

Original = <Not available>

State = <Added>

RowAction = Add
Undo delete and

Current = <Incoming>

Original = <Incoming>

State = <Unchanged>

RowAction = ChangeCurrentAndOriginal
Current = <Not available>

Original = <Incoming>

State = <Deleted>

RowAction = ChangeOriginal
Unchanged Current = <Incoming>

Original = <Existing>

If new value is the same as the existing value then

State = <Unchanged>

RowAction = Nothing

Else

State = <Modified>

RowAction = Change
Current = <Incoming>

Original = <Incoming>

State = <Unchanged>

RowAction = ChangeCurrentAndOriginal
Current = <Incoming>

Original = <Incoming>

State = <Unchanged>

RowAction = ChangeCurrentAndOriginal
Not present) Current = <Incoming>

Original = <Not available>

State = <Added>

RowAction = Add
Current = <Incoming>

Original = <Incoming>

State = <Unchanged>

RowAction = ChangeCurrentAndOriginal
Current = <Incoming>

Original = <Incoming>

State = <Unchanged>

RowAction = ChangeCurrentAndOriginal

Values in a DataColumn can be constrained through use of properties such as ReadOnly and AutoIncrement. The Load method handles such columns in a manner that is consistent with the behavior defined by the column's properties. The read only constraint on a DataColumn is applicable only for changes that occur in memory. The Load method's overwrites the read-only column values, if needed.

If you specify the OverwriteChanges or PreserveChanges options when calling the Load method, then the assumption is made that the incoming data is coming from the DataTable's primary data source, and the DataTable tracks changes and can propagate the changes back to the data source. If you select the Upsert option, it is assumed that the data is coming from one of a secondary data source, such as data provided by a middle-tier component, perhaps altered by a user. In this case, the assumption is that the intent is to aggregate data from one or more data sources in the DataTable, and then perhaps propagate the data back to the primary data source. The LoadOption parameter is used for determining the specific version of the row that is to be used for primary key comparison. The table below provides the details.

Load option DataRow version used for primary key comparison
OverwriteChanges Original version, if it exists, otherwise Current version
PreserveChanges Original version, if it exists, otherwise Current version
Upsert Current version, if it exists, otherwise Original version

See also

Applies to

Load(IDataReader, LoadOption, FillErrorEventHandler)

Fills a DataTable with values from a data source using the supplied IDataReader using an error-handling delegate.

public:
 virtual void Load(System::Data::IDataReader ^ reader, System::Data::LoadOption loadOption, System::Data::FillErrorEventHandler ^ errorHandler);
public virtual void Load (System.Data.IDataReader reader, System.Data.LoadOption loadOption, System.Data.FillErrorEventHandler? errorHandler);
public virtual void Load (System.Data.IDataReader reader, System.Data.LoadOption loadOption, System.Data.FillErrorEventHandler errorHandler);
abstract member Load : System.Data.IDataReader * System.Data.LoadOption * System.Data.FillErrorEventHandler -> unit
override this.Load : System.Data.IDataReader * System.Data.LoadOption * System.Data.FillErrorEventHandler -> unit
Public Overridable Sub Load (reader As IDataReader, loadOption As LoadOption, errorHandler As FillErrorEventHandler)

Parameters

reader
IDataReader

A IDataReader that provides a result set.

loadOption
LoadOption

A value from the LoadOption enumeration that indicates how rows already in the DataTable are combined with incoming rows that share the same primary key.

errorHandler
FillErrorEventHandler

A FillErrorEventHandler delegate to call when an error occurs while loading data.

Examples

static void Main()
{
    // Attempt to load data from a data reader in which
    // the schema is incompatible with the current schema.
    // If you use exception handling, you won't get the chance
    // to examine each row, and each individual table,
    // as the Load method progresses.
    // By taking advantage of the FillErrorEventHandler delegate,
    // you can interact with the Load process as an error occurs,
    // attempting to fix the problem, or simply continuing or quitting
    // the Load process:
    DataTable table = GetIntegerTable();
    DataTableReader reader = new DataTableReader(GetStringTable());
    table.Load(reader, LoadOption.OverwriteChanges, FillErrorHandler);

    Console.WriteLine("Press any key to continue.");
    Console.ReadKey();
}

private static DataTable GetIntegerTable()
{
    // Create sample Customers table, in order
    // to demonstrate the behavior of the DataTableReader.
    DataTable table = new DataTable();

    // Create two columns, ID and Name.
    DataColumn idColumn = table.Columns.Add("ID", typeof(int));

    // Set the ID column as the primary key column.
    table.PrimaryKey = new DataColumn[] { idColumn };

    table.Rows.Add(new object[] { 4 });
    table.Rows.Add(new object[] { 5 });
    table.AcceptChanges();
    return table;
}

private static DataTable GetStringTable()
{
    // Create sample Customers table, in order
    // to demonstrate the behavior of the DataTableReader.
    DataTable table = new DataTable();

    // Create two columns, ID and Name.
    DataColumn idColumn = table.Columns.Add("ID", typeof(string));

    // Set the ID column as the primary key column.
    table.PrimaryKey = new DataColumn[] { idColumn };

    table.Rows.Add(new object[] { "Mary" });
    table.Rows.Add(new object[] { "Andy" });
    table.Rows.Add(new object[] { "Peter" });
    table.AcceptChanges();
    return table;
}

static void FillErrorHandler(object sender, FillErrorEventArgs e)
{
    // You can use the e.Errors value to determine exactly what
    // went wrong.
    if (e.Errors.GetType() == typeof(System.FormatException))
    {
        Console.WriteLine("Error when attempting to update the value: {0}",
            e.Values[0]);
    }

    // Setting e.Continue to True tells the Load
    // method to continue trying. Setting it to False
    // indicates that an error has occurred, and the
    // Load method raises the exception that got
    // you here.
    e.Continue = true;
}
Sub Main()
  Dim table As New DataTable()

  ' Attempt to load data from a data reader in which
  ' the schema is incompatible with the current schema.
  ' If you use exception handling, you won't get the chance
  ' to examine each row, and each individual table,
  ' as the Load method progresses.
  ' By taking advantage of the FillErrorEventHandler delegate,
  ' you can interact with the Load process as an error occurs,
  ' attempting to fix the problem, or simply continuing or quitting
  ' the Load process:
  table = GetIntegerTable()
  Dim reader As New DataTableReader(GetStringTable())
  table.Load(reader, LoadOption.OverwriteChanges, _
      AddressOf FillErrorHandler)

  Console.WriteLine("Press any key to continue.")
  Console.ReadKey()
End Sub

Private Sub FillErrorHandler(ByVal sender As Object, _
  ByVal e As FillErrorEventArgs)
  ' You can use the e.Errors value to determine exactly what
  ' went wrong.
  If e.Errors.GetType Is GetType(System.FormatException) Then
    Console.WriteLine("Error when attempting to update the value: {0}", _
      e.Values(0))
  End If

  ' Setting e.Continue to True tells the Load
  ' method to continue trying. Setting it to False
  ' indicates that an error has occurred, and the 
  ' Load method raises the exception that got 
  ' you here.
  e.Continue = True
End Sub

Private Function GetIntegerTable() As DataTable
  ' Create sample table with a single Int32 column.
  Dim table As New DataTable

  Dim idColumn As DataColumn = table.Columns.Add("ID", GetType(Integer))

  ' Set the ID column as the primary key column.
  table.PrimaryKey = New DataColumn() {idColumn}

  table.Rows.Add(New Object() {4})
  table.Rows.Add(New Object() {5})
  table.TableName = "IntegerTable"
  table.AcceptChanges()
  Return table
End Function

Private Function GetStringTable() As DataTable
  ' Create sample table with a single String column.
  Dim table As New DataTable

  Dim idColumn As DataColumn = table.Columns.Add("ID", _
      GetType(String))

  ' Set the ID column as the primary key column.
  table.PrimaryKey = New DataColumn() {idColumn}

  table.Rows.Add(New Object() {"Mary"})
  table.Rows.Add(New Object() {"Andy"})
  table.Rows.Add(New Object() {"Peter"})
  table.AcceptChanges()
  Return table
End Function

Private Sub PrintColumns( _
   ByVal table As DataTable)

  ' Loop through all the rows in the DataTableReader.
  For Each row As DataRow In table.Rows
    For Each col As DataColumn In table.Columns
      Console.Write(row(col).ToString() & " ")
    Next
    Console.WriteLine()
  Next
End Sub

Remarks

The Load method consumes the first result set from the loaded IDataReader, and after successful completion, sets the reader's position to the next result set, if any. When converting data, the Load method uses the same conversion rules as the DbDataAdapter.Fill method.

The Load method must take into account three specific issues when loading the data from an IDataReader instance: schema, data, and event operations. When working with the schema, the Load method may encounter conditions as described in the following table. The schema operations take place for all imported result sets, even those containing no data.

Condition Behavior
The DataTable has no schema. The Load method infers the schema based on the result set from the imported IDataReader.
The DataTable has a schema, but it is incompatible with the loaded schema. The Load method throws an exception corresponding to the particular error that occurs when attempting to load data into the incompatible schema.
The schemas are compatible, but the loaded result set schema contains columns that don't exist in the DataTable. The Load method adds the extra column(s) to DataTable's schema. The method throws an exception if corresponding columns in the DataTable and the loaded result set are not value compatible. The method also retrieves constraint information from the result set for all added columns. Except for the case of Primary Key constraint, this constraint information is used only if the current DataTable does not contain any columns at the start of the load operation.
The schemas are compatible, but the loaded result set schema contains fewer columns than does the DataTable. If a missing column has a default value defined or the column's data type is nullable, the Load method allows the rows to be added, substituting the default or null value for the missing column. If no default value or null can be used, then the Load method throws an exception. If no specific default value has been supplied, the Load method uses the null value as the implied default value.

Before considering the behavior of the Load method in terms of data operations, consider that each row within a DataTable maintains both the current value and the original value for each column. These values may be equivalent, or may be different if the data in the row has been changed since filling the DataTable. See Row States and Row Versions for more information.

In this method call, the specified LoadOption parameter influences the processing of the incoming data. How should the Load method handle loading rows that have the same primary key as existing rows? Should it modify current values, original values, or both? These issues, and more, are controlled by the loadOption parameter.

If the existing row and the incoming row contain corresponding primary key values, the row is processed using its current row state value, otherwise it's treated as a new row.

In terms of event operations, the RowChanging event occurs before each row is changed, and the RowChanged event occurs after each row has been changed. In each case, the Action property of the DataRowChangeEventArgs instance passed to the event handler contains information about the particular action associated with the event. This action value varies, depending on the state of the row before the load operation. In each case, both events occur, and the action is the same for each. The action may be applied to either the current or original version of each row, or both, depending on the current row state.

The following table displays behavior for the Load method when called with each of the LoadOption values, and also shows how the values interact with the row state for the row being loaded. The final row (labeled "(Not present)") describes the behavior for incoming rows that don't match any existing row. Each cell in this table describes the current and original value for a field within a row, along with the DataRowState for the value after the Load method has completed.

Existing DataRowState Upsert OverwriteChanges PreserveChanges (Default behavior)
Added Current = <Incoming>

Original = -<Not available>

State = <Added>

RowAction = Change
Current = <Incoming>

Original = <Incoming>

State = <Unchanged>

RowAction = ChangeCurrentAndOriginal
Current = <Existing>

Original = <Incoming>

State = <Modified>

RowAction = ChangeOriginal
Modified Current = <Incoming>

Original = <Existing>

State = <Modified>

RowAction = Change
Current = <Incoming>

Original = <Incoming>

State = <Unchanged>

RowAction = ChangeCurrentAndOriginal
Current = <Existing>

Original = <Incoming>

State = <Modified>

RowAction =ChangeOriginal
eleted (Load does not affect deleted rows)

Current = ---

Original = <Existing>

State = <Deleted>

(New row is added with the following characteristics)

Current = <Incoming>

Original = <Not available>

State = <Added>

RowAction = Add
Undo delete and

Current = <Incoming>

Original = <Incoming>

State = <Unchanged>

RowAction = ChangeCurrentAndOriginal
Current = <Not available>

Original = <Incoming>

State = <Deleted>

RowAction = ChangeOriginal
Unchanged Current = <Incoming>

Original = <Existing>

If new value is the same as the existing value then

State = <Unchanged>

RowAction = Nothing

Else

State = <Modified>

RowAction = Change
Current = <Incoming>

Original = <Incoming>

State = <Unchanged>

RowAction = ChangeCurrentAndOriginal
Current = <Incoming>

Original = <Incoming>

State = <Unchanged>

RowAction = ChangeCurrentAndOriginal
Not present) Current = <Incoming>

Original = <Not available>

State = <Added>

RowAction = Add
Current = <Incoming>

Original = <Incoming>

State = <Unchanged>

RowAction = ChangeCurrentAndOriginal
Current = <Incoming>

Original = <Incoming>

State = <Unchanged>

RowAction = ChangeCurrentAndOriginal

Values in a DataColumn can be constrained through use of properties such as ReadOnly and AutoIncrement. The Load method handles such columns in a manner that is consistent with the behavior defined by the column's properties. The read only constraint on a DataColumn is applicable only for changes that occur in memory. The Load method's overwrites the read-only column values, if needed.

If you specify the OverwriteChanges or PreserveChanges options when calling the Load method, then the assumption is made that the incoming data is coming from the DataTable's primary data source, and the DataTable tracks changes and can propagate the changes back to the data source. If you select the Upsert option, it is assumed that the data is coming from one of a secondary data source, such as data provided by a middle-tier component, perhaps altered by a user. In this case, the assumption is that the intent is to aggregate data from one or more data sources in the DataTable, and then perhaps propagate the data back to the primary data source. The LoadOption parameter is used for determining the specific version of the row that is to be used for primary key comparison. The table below provides the details.

Load option DataRow version used for primary key comparison
OverwriteChanges Original version, if it exists, otherwise Current version
PreserveChanges Original version, if it exists, otherwise Current version
Upsert Current version, if it exists, otherwise Original version

The errorHandler parameter is a FillErrorEventHandler delegate that refers to a procedure that is called when an error occurs while loading data. The FillErrorEventArgs parameter passed to the procedure provides properties that allow you to retrieve information about the error that occurred, the current row of data, and the DataTable being filled. Using this delegate mechanism, rather than a simpler try/catch block, allows you to determine the error, handle the situation, and continue processing if you like. The FillErrorEventArgs parameter supplies a Continue property: set this property to true to indicate that you have handled the error and wish to continue processing. Set the property to false to indicate that you wish to halt processing. Be aware that setting the property to false causes the code that triggered the problem to throw an exception.

See also

Applies to