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DataBind Charts to Dynamics GP Data
Use the standard ADO.NET procedures for databinding to provide bidirectional access to Dynamics GP data from controls in the Visual Studio toolbox. This article demonstrates a graphical approach using wizards in Visual Studio, as well as how to databind with only a few lines of code.
DataBinding facilitates two-way interaction with data through UI controls. Using the CData ADO.NET Provider for Dynamics GP streamlines the process of binding Dynamics GP data to Windows Forms and Web controls within Visual Studio. In this article, we will demonstrate using wizards to establish a binding between Dynamics GP data and a chart that dynamically updates. Additionally, the code walk-through section will guide you through the creation of a chart using just 10 lines of code.
Binding Data to a Chart
DataBinding to a Chart consists of three steps: Instantiate the control, configure the data source, and databind.
Configure the Connection and Select Database Objects
To create a chart control and establish a connection to Dynamics GP, follow the steps outlined below using the Data Source Configuration Wizard. Within the wizard, you'll have the option to choose the specific Dynamics GP entities you wish to bind to.
- In a Windows Forms project, drag and drop a Chart control from the toolbox to the form. In the Data section of the Chart properties, select DataSource and then select Add Project Data Source from the menu.
- In the Data Source Configuration Wizard that appears, select Database -> Dataset.
- In the Choose Your Data Connection step, click New Connection.
In the Add Connection dialog, click Change to select the CData Dynamics GP Data Source.
Below is a typical connection string:
CompanyId=mycompanyId;user=myuser;password=mypassword;URL= http://{servername}:{port}/Dynamics/GPService;To authenticate set the User and Password connection properties.
To connect set the URL to the Web services endpoint; for example, http://{servername}:{port}/Dynamics/GPService. Additionally, set CompanyId; you can obtain this value in the company setup window: Click Tools -> Setup -> Company.
By default, data summaries are not returned to save performance. Set LookupIds to true to return details such as line items; however, note that entities must be retrieved one at a time.
When you configure the connection, you may also want to set the Max Rows connection property. This will limit the number of rows returned, which is especially helpful for improving performance when designing reports and visualizations.
- Choose the database objects you want to work with. This example uses the SalesInvoice table.
DataBind
After adding the data source and selecting database objects, you can bind the objects to the chart. This example assigns the x-axis to CustomerName and the y-axis to TotalAmount.
- In the Chart properties, click the button in the Series property to open the Series Collection Editor.
- In the Series properties, select the columns you want for the x- and y-axes: Select columns from the menu in the XValueMember and YValueMember properties.
The chart is now databound to the Dynamics GP data. Run the chart to display the current data.
Code Walk-through
DataBinding to Dynamics GP data requires only a few lines of code and can be completed in three easy steps.
- Connect to Dynamics GP.
- Create the DynamicsGPDataAdapter to execute the query and create a DataSet to be filled with its results.
- DataBind the result set to the chart.
Below is the complete code:
DynamicsGPConnection conn = new DynamicsGPConnection("CompanyId=mycompanyId;user=myuser;password=mypassword;URL= http://{servername}:{port}/Dynamics/GPService;");
DynamicsGPCommand comm = new DynamicsGPCommand("SELECT CustomerName, TotalAmount FROM SalesInvoice", conn);
DynamicsGPDataAdapter da = new DynamicsGPDataAdapter(comm);
DataSet dataset = new DataSet();
da.Fill(dataset);
chart1.DataSource = dataset;
chart1.Series[0].XValueMember = "CustomerName";
chart1.Series[0].YValueMembers = "TotalAmount";
// Insert code for additional chart formatting here.
chart1.DataBind();
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