How can I add option groups in ASP.NET drop down list?

Question

I have a requirement of grouping the drop down list options in ASP.NET drop down server control. Do you have any idea to how to approach the issue? I am new to ASP.NET.

Answer 1

----- in .cs  -----

List sl = new List();

sl.Add(new SelectListItem() { Text = "My text", Value = "1", Group = new SelectListGroup() { Name = "First Group" } });

sl.Add(new SelectListItem() { Text = "My text 2", Value = "2", Group = new SelectListGroup() { Name = "First Group" } });

var sl1 = new SelectList(sl,"Value","Text","Group.Name",-1);

ViewData["MyList"] = sl1;


----- in .cshtml    -----
Html.DropDownList("My List", ViewData["MyList"] as SelectList,
                        "-- No Preference --",
                        new {
                            @class = "ui-widget ui-corner-all square_corners searchPageDropdown"
                        }))