Get public string in codebehind into LayoutTemplate of ListView

Question

A doubt in ASP.NET(VB)

I have a public variable in code-behind(ASPX.VB)

Public _orderCode As String = "Hello World"

At ASPX, I would like to access it inline. That too inside the LayoutTemplate of a ListView

<asp:ListView runat="server" ID="listView_OrderReplies" 
                DataKeyNames="ProductID"
                DataSourceID="sdsProducts">
    <LayoutTemplate>
        <h1>Order Replies for Order Code  = <%# _orderCode %></h1>
        <asp:PlaceHolder ID="itemPlaceholder" runat="server" ></asp:PlaceHolder>
    </LayoutTemplate>
    <ItemTemplate>
        <b>Name</b>:  <%#Eval("ProductName")%><br />
        <b>Stock</b>:  <%#Eval("UnitsInStock")%><br />
        <b>Price</b>:  <%#Eval("UnitPrice")%> <br />
    </ItemTemplate>
</asp:ListView>

That is, I want this inline binding to succeed

<h1>Order Replies for Order Code  = <%# _orderCode %></h1>

or

<h1>Order Replies for Order Code  = <%= _orderCode %></h1>

I know it will work inside the page if its not inside a databound control. What I need is a way to access the variable using inline code blocks.

Is it possible? Can anybody point me in the right direction?

BTW, I know to bind it in code-behind and all. I am looking for a specific solution if there is one and a confirmation if there isn't.

Answer 1

It can be done, and quite easily at that. Just handle OnLayoutCreated event, and in it call DataBind() method on LayoutTemplate control (all child controls will automatically databind as well).

<asp:ListView ID="lv" runat="server" OnLayoutCreated="lv_LayoutCreated">...</asp:ListView>

protected void lv_LayoutCreated(object sender, EventArgs e)
{
    lv.Controls[0].DataBind();
}

Just make sure that whatever data is being databound there, it is instantiated before that (on postbacks as well).

Or you can find a specific control in it, and databind just that: lv.Controls[0].FindControl("id").DataBind();

And if you want it databound only on ListView databinding, than do it in OnDataBound event - but you must target a control which doesn't contain itemPlaceholder, or your ItemTemplate will databind again (with no data this time):

protected void lv_DataBound(object sender, EventArgs e)
{
    if(lv.Controls.Count > 0)
        lv.Controls[0].FindControl("head").DataBind();
}