How to Bind a WPF DataGrid to a Variable Number of Columns Using XAML Data Binding?

XAML data binding for dynamic column WPF DataGrid

In WPF application design, sometimes it is necessary to display a data set with a variable number of columns in a DataGrid. While WPF allows flexibility in customizing grid columns programmatically, this approach can become cumbersome if the number of columns is large.

In this case it is better to define the columns directly in the XAML file using data binding. This article explores a workaround to achieve this by creating an attached attribute called BindableColumns.

Data model definition

First, define a simple Data class to represent changing columns and rows:

public class Data
{
    public IList<ColumnDescription> ColumnDescriptions { get; set; }
    public string[][] Rows { get; set; }
}

Implementation of additional attributes

Additional attribute BindableColumns manages the columns of the DataGrid by observing the changes of ObservableCollection<DataGridColumn>. When the collection changes, this property updates the DataGrid's columns accordingly:

public class DataGridColumnsBehavior
{
    public static readonly DependencyProperty BindableColumnsProperty = ...;

    public static void BindableColumnsPropertyChanged(...)
    {
        DataGrid dataGrid = source as DataGrid;
        ObservableCollection<DataGridColumn> columns = e.NewValue as ObservableCollection<DataGridColumn>;

        // 清除现有列
        dataGrid.Columns.Clear();

        // 添加新列
        if (columns != null)
        {
            foreach (DataGridColumn column in columns)
            {
                dataGrid.Columns.Add(column);
            }
            // 订阅集合更改事件
            columns.CollectionChanged += ...;
        }
    }
}

XAML Binding

Now that you have the attached attributes, you can bind the DataGrid to ObservableCollection<DataGridColumn> in XAML:

<DataGrid ... AutoGenerateColumns="False" local:DataGridColumnsBehavior.BindableColumns="{Binding ColumnCollection}" Name="dataGrid"/>

Conclusion

This workaround allows you to define mutable columns of a WPF DataGrid directly in XAML using data binding. Especially when dealing with variable numbers of columns, it provides a convenient and easy-to-maintain approach.

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