How can I {x:Bind} to a DataTemplate's root type in UWP?

Question

I have a template that receives a string as its data type:

<DataTemplate x:DataType="System:String">
   <TextBlock Text="{x:Bind}" />
</DataTemplate>

But this binding technique gives me a build error. How can I use {x:Bind} without a path value? I want to bind the string, not a property in the string.

Answer 1

You actually can do Text="{x:Bind}" without specifying a path. The Designer will complain but it's safe to ignore it.

I think the problem is the way you define the string type. Note in WinRT XAML it now writes as x:String.

So this should work -

<DataTemplate x:Key="GroupTemplate" x:DataType="x:String">
    <TextBlock Text="{x:Bind}" />
</DataTemplate>