The XmlDataSource control makes XML data available to data-bound controls. You can use it to display both hierarchical and tabular data, although the XmlDataSource control is typically used to display hierarchical XML data in read-only scenarios.
The most common way to use an XmlDataSource is to specify it in the Data Source Configuration Wizard when you set the Data Source of a data-bound control such as the GridView control, FormView control, DetailsView control, DataList control, or Repeater control.
You can also add an XmlDataSource control to a page by dragging it from the Toolbox panel onto your page. When the control is on your page, right-click it and choose Properties to open the Tag Properties panel where you can set properties for the control.
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Many ASP.NET controls do not have a visual representation at run time. The control is always visible in Code view. If you do not see a representation of the control in Design view, on the View menu, point to Visual Aids and then click ASP.NET Non Visual Controls. |
The XmlDataSource control loads XML data from an XML file specified using the DataFile property. XML data can also be loaded from a string using the Data property.
For more information about using the XmlDataSource control, see XmlDataSource in the MSDN library.