How to: Create Parameterized TableAdapter Queries

A parameterized query returns data that meets the conditions of a WHERE clause within the query. For example, you can parameterize a customer list to display only customers in a certain city by adding WHERE City = @City to the end of the SQL statement that returns a list of customers. For more information, see Parameter Queries.

You create parameterized TableAdapter queries in the Dataset Designer, or during creation of data-bound forms in a Windows application with the Parameterize Data Source command on the Data menu. The Parameterize Data Source command also creates controls on your form to input the parameter values and execute the query. For more information, see Search Criteria Builder Dialog Box.

Note

When constructing a parameterized query, use the parameter notation specific to the database you are coding against. For example, Access and OleDb data sources use the question mark '?' to denote parameters, so the WHERE clause would look like this: WHERE City = ?.

Note

Your computer might show different names or locations for some of the Visual Studio user interface elements in the following instructions. The Visual Studio edition that you have and the settings that you use determine these elements. For more information, see Visual Studio Settings.

Creating a Parameterized TableAdapter Query

To create a parameterized query in the Dataset Designer

  • Create a new TableAdapter, adding a WHERE clause with the desired parameters to the SQL statement. For more information, see How to: Create TableAdapters.

    -or-

  • Add a query to an existing TableAdapter, adding a WHERE clause with the desired parameters to the SQL statement. For more information, See How to: Create TableAdapter Queries.

To create a parameterized query while designing a data-bound form

  1. Select a control on your form that is already bound to a dataset. For more information, see Binding Windows Forms Controls to Data in Visual Studio.

  2. On the Data menu, click Add Query.

  3. Complete the Search Criteria Builder dialog box, adding a WHERE clause with the desired parameters to the SQL statement. For more information, see Search Criteria Builder Dialog Box.

See Also

Concepts

Preparing Your Application to Receive Data

Fetching Data into Your Application

Binding Controls to Data in Visual Studio

Editing Data in Your Application

Validating Data

Saving Data

Other Resources

TableAdapters

Connecting to Data in Visual Studio

Data Walkthroughs