How to Convert Generic List To DataTable using C#

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I have a task to need to get a DataTable, however, all existing objects are List, I need convert some of those lists to DataTables. Before I wrote my own code to do it. I searched internet and got 2 perfect articles which I need.

1: From DotNet Friends, By patriwala, Convert Generic List In To DataTable

A simple and easy to use one, I adopted this solution.

2: Casting from a Collection to a Data Table using Generics and Attributes by Joseph Finsterwald

Here I copy some code from patriwala's article:

/// <typeparam name=”T”>Custome Class </typeparam> /// <param name=”lst”>List Of The Custome Class</param> /// <returns> Return the class datatbl </returns> public static DataTable ConvertTo<T>(IList<T> lst) { //create DataTable Structure DataTable tbl = CreateTable<T>(); Type entType = typeof(T); PropertyDescriptorCollection properties = TypeDescriptor.GetProperties(entType); //get the list item and add into the list foreach (T item in lst) { DataRow row = tbl.NewRow(); foreach (PropertyDescriptor prop in properties) { row[prop.Name] = prop.GetValue(item); } tbl.Rows.Add(row); }

return tbl; } /// <summary> /// /// </summary> /// <typeparam name=”T”>Custome Class</typeparam> /// <returns></returns> public static DataTable CreateTable<T>() { //T –> ClassName Type entType = typeof(T); //set the datatable name as class name DataTable tbl = new DataTable(entType.Name); //get the property list PropertyDescriptorCollection properties = TypeDescriptor.GetProperties(entType); foreach (PropertyDescriptor prop in properties) { //add property as column tbl.Columns.Add(prop.Name, prop.PropertyType); } return tbl; }

And, how to use? Very easy, I show you my own sample:

List<SoldTerritories> listSoldTerritories = GetSoldTerritoriesList(); DataTable dt = ConvertTo<SoldTerritories>(listSoldTerritories);

That is!