How Can I Retrieve Data from a Stored Procedure Using Entity Framework and Populate a GridView?

Accessing Data from Stored Procedure with Entity Framework

This article addresses the challenge of retrieving data from a dynamic SQL stored procedure using Entity Framework 6.1.1. The goal is to populate a GridView control with the retrieved data.

The scenario involves a stored procedure called SearchProducts that accepts a search term as a parameter and returns a result set based on a dynamic SQL query. The C# code attempts to execute the stored procedure and bind the result to a GridView control.

The Problem

When the code is executed, the stored procedure works in the Database Explorer but fails in the running application, returning -1 instead of an IEnumerable DataSet. This indicates that the data is not being retrieved successfully.

The Solution

To solve this issue, it is necessary to import the stored procedure as a Function in the Entity model. Here are the steps:

1. Right-click on the workspace area of the Entity model and choose Add -> Function Import.

2. In the Add Function Import dialog:

   • Enter the name for the function (e.g., Search_Products).
   • Choose the SearchProducts procedure from the drop-down list.
   • Set the return value to Entities and choose Products from the drop-down list.

3. Update the C# code:

   • Use the function name (Search_Products) in the Entity object to execute the stored procedure.
   • Bind the result to the GridView control.

The revised code:

var db = new MyEntities();
var TEST_SEARCH_TERM = "product";
var result = db.Search_Products(TEST_SEARCH_TERM);

MyGridView.DataSource = result;
MyGridView.DataBind();

Explanation

Entity Framework lacks full support for stored procedure return values. Importing the stored procedure as a Function allows it to be treated as an Entity Framework method, which can handle the retrieval of data.

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