New ASP.NET Control: HTML5 Client-side Grid for WebForms

Exciting news for ASP.NET WebForms developers: You can now use the new DevExpress HTML5 client-side DataGrid widget (dxDataGrid) as a WebForms control!

We have created an ASP.NET WebForms control that uses (wraps) the HTML5 client-side dxDataGrid widget. This means you get design time support! You can databind the control to a datasource object. You can drag and drop the control from the toolbox on to your ASPX page.

Video introduction

Watch the short 10 minute section of the "What's New in ASP.NET 14.1" webinar video to see how to use dxDataGrid for WebForms:

It starts at about 59 minutes into the webinar. :)

Download and get started

Get started using the new ASP.NET control that gives you the dxDataGrid. Read the following article that walks you step-by-step and also has sample code:

Get Started with dxDataGrid for Web Forms

Please note:

1. The control that wraps the dxDataGrid is currently in beta. This means we want you to try it and give us your feedback.

2. You will need a DevExtreme subscription.

3. Download and install DevExtreme.

4. Then get started and tell us what you think.

dxDataGrid - A new DevExpress Grid

In the 14.1 release, we introduced an excellent new HTML5 client-side DataGrid widget called dxDataGrid. And when I say HTML5 client-side, that means it's uses HTML, JavaScript, and CSS only.

The dxDataGrid widget comes with many great features that you've come to expect of DevExpress Grid controls. Let's face it, we know a thing or two about building great UI since we've been in business for the past 16 years.

Why?

So let's say you're an ASP.NET WebForms developer who wants to add this slick new client-side dxDataGrid widget into an existing ASP.NET project. And while you are comfortable at using JavaScript libraries like jQuery, perhaps you do not want to start writing JavaScript in the middle of your ASPX page.

Instead, you prefer to drag-n-drop a control from the toolbox and use a datasource control to databind it (instead of creating a web service to expose the data for the widget).

And that's exactly why you should try the new control: dxDataGrid for WebForms.

ASPxGridView vs dxDataGrid

At the moment, the two grid controls offer similar features. However, the DevExpress ASP.NET GridView control, ASPxGridView, offers many more features since it has been around longer.

The new dxDataGrid for WebForms is currently in beta. But I would like for you to try it and give us your feedback.

Choose what makes you happy. :)

ASP.NET Server-side vs Client-side JavaScript

Both technologies are great and I love them because I love the web in general.

ASP.NET is a great server-side technology that allows you to use:

1. your favorite .NET language (C#, VB.NET, etc.)
2. a drap-n-drop designer
3. powerful serverside controls like ASPxGridView, ASPxPivotGrid, or any of the 100+ DevExpress ASP.NET controls
4. rapid development time
5. and more

Client-side JavaScript technologies also offer great benefits like:

1. less round-trips to server
2. lighter markup
3. less dependence on a web server like IIS
4. JavaScript (though this can be considered good or bad)
5. and more

What about ASP.NET MVC?

We do not have an ASP.NET MVC extension for dxDataGrid because:

1. ASP.NET MVC does not have a designer like WebForms.
2. It's easy to add the dxDataGrid to your MVC View using the standard approach as shown in this video:

We may provide an MVC extension for dxDataGrid in the future. Please let me know if you're interested.

What do you think about the new dxDataGrid for WebForms control? Please leave me a comment below. Thanks!

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