DataGridView Validation & Changing Cell Value

Question

I would like to manipulate a cell in my DataGridView when it is validating so that if the user enters a value that is not valid for the database, but is easily converted to valid data, the program will change the value to an appropriate one.

I am able to validate my value properly but when I try to change it to something valid I get a DataError. Here is my code:

        private void unit_List_2_GroupsDataGridView_CellValidating(object sender, DataGridViewCellValidatingEventArgs e)
    {
        Console.WriteLine("Validating");
        DataGridViewColumn col = this.unit_List_2_GroupsDataGridView.Columns[e.ColumnIndex];
        DataGridViewCell cell = this.unit_List_2_GroupsDataGridView.Rows[e.RowIndex].Cells[e.ColumnIndex];
        if (col == this.batchDataGridViewTextBoxColumn && this.unit_List_2_GroupsDataGridView.IsCurrentCellInEditMode)
        {
            Console.WriteLine("   Batch Column");
            DataRow[] rows = label_EntryDataSet.viewJobBatchList.Select(String.Format("Job={0} AND Display='{1}'"
                , comboBox1.SelectedValue, e.FormattedValue));
            if (rows.Length == 1)
            {
                Console.WriteLine("      Auto Completed item from list: {0}", rows[0]["Batch"]);
                //e.Cancel = true;
                cell.Value = rows[0]["Batch"];
                //this.unit_List_2_GroupsDataGridView.EndEdit();
            }
            else
            {
                Console.WriteLine("     No Autocomplete!");
                int i = 0;
                if (!int.TryParse(e.FormattedValue.ToString(), out i))
                {
                    Console.WriteLine("         Not an integer either");
                    e.Cancel = true;
                }
            }
        }
    }

The line that reads cell.Value = rows[0]["Batch"]; is not doing what I expect it to do.

Answer 1

The CellValidating event occurs just prior to when the DataGridView leaves edit mode; it's an event that relates-to/involves the editing control (DataGridView.EditingControl). You should never attempt to change the cell value in the handler for this event, because unless you cancel the event (in which case the user is stuck in edit mode), the cell value is set to the value from the editing control immediately after the event finishes. This, therefore, undoes any action you perform in the handler.

What you have to do instead is change the value in the editing control (remembering not to cancel the event). For example, for a DataGridViewTextBoxCell, you would use the following instead of your problematic line:

unit_List_2_GroupsDataGridView.EditingControl.Text = Convert.ToString(rows[0]["Batch"]);

You should find that this solves your issue.

Answer 2

In general, it is better to use the CellParsing event whenever you need to convert/change the value in a cell. From within that event, you can indicate that the user's value is invalid by setting the ErrorText value of the cell or row.