What is a Data Table?

What is a Data Table?

A DataTable represents the relational data of a single table in memory. It comprises columns, rows, and cells with specific values. A DataTable is something similar to an Excel file or an XML file which can be passed to the database using a stored procedure. The data generally is local to the .Net application and can be populated from SQL data source using a DataAdapter object....

Uses of DataTable as Parameter to Stored Procedure

Sending a DataTable as a parameter to the stored procedure can help send a large list of data at a single call to the database. This can avoid multiple calls to the database with multiple parameters for each data. Generally, for sending the data of a student for example, we will need multiple parameters for each data value and when we need to send data of multiple students, each student’s data needs to be sent using multiple calls to a database, one call for each record. When we deal with large record sets this can be very inefficient and time-consuming. Using the DataTable is a very efficient quick way to send large lists of data from the back end to the database for adding, updating, or deleting any data....

Example of Sending DataTable as a Parameter to a Stored Procedure

Below are examples of using DataTable as a Parameter to a Stored Procedure using the .Net front end....

Important Terms to Note

DataTable: A DataTable represents the relational data of a single table in memory. User-defined Table Type: A user-defined Table Type with the schema that matches the table used in the database Creating Stored procedure with DataTable as a parameter, the parameter of User Defined Table Type which matches the DataTable and Database Table....

Conclusion

The DataTable as a parameter to stored procedure in SQL Server is a very efficient and useful option to transfer large amounts of data at one go from front-end to back-end and do data manipulation for adding, updating, or deleting a table in a database. The DataTable can be considered as the best choice for bulk insert or complex data operations by passing the data as a parameter in a stored procedure. A DataTable can replace an XML file or long list of parameters used to send data to a stored procedure....