DataTable to List<object>

Question

How do I take a DataTable and convert it to a List?

I\'ve included some code below in both C# and VB.NET, the issue with both of these is that we create a new object

Answer 1

I have another approach that might be worth taking a look at. It's a helper method. Create a custom class file named CollectionHelper:

    public static IList ConvertTo(DataTable table)
    {
        if (table == null)
            return null;

        List rows = new List();

        foreach (DataRow row in table.Rows)
            rows.Add(row);

        return ConvertTo(rows);
    }

Imagine you want to get a list of customers. Now you'll have the following caller:

List myList = (List)CollectionHelper.ConvertTo(table);

The attributes you have in your DataTable must match your Customer class (fields like Name, Address, Telephone).

I hope it helps!

For who are willing to know why to use lists instead of DataTables: link text

The full sample:

http://lozanotek.com/blog/archive/2007/05/09/Converting_Custom_Collections_To_and_From_DataTable.aspx