In ASP.NET Web Forms, both Repeater and ListView controls are used to display a collection of data in a customizable format. While they serve similar purposes, they have distinct features and use cases. Below, we will explore each control in detail and highlight their differences.

1. Repeater Control

The Repeater control is a lightweight data-bound control that allows developers to display a list of items using templates. It does not provide built-in features like paging, sorting, or editing, which gives developers full control over the rendering of the data.

Key Features of Repeater Control

• Lightweight and efficient for displaying simple lists.
• Highly customizable through templates.
• Does not have built-in support for paging or sorting.

Sample Code for Repeater Control

    <asp:Repeater ID="rptProducts" runat="server">
        <ItemTemplate>
            <div>
                <h3><%= Eval("ProductName") %></h3>
                <p>Price: <%= Eval("Price") %></p>
            </div>
        </ItemTemplate>
    </asp:Repeater>
    

Code-behind to bind data:

    protected void Page_Load(object sender, EventArgs e)
    {
        if (!IsPostBack)
        {
            BindRepeater();
        }
    }

    private void BindRepeater()
    {
        rptProducts.DataSource = GetProducts();
        rptProducts.DataBind();
    }
    

2. ListView Control

The ListView control is a more advanced data-bound control that provides greater flexibility and functionality compared to the Repeater. It supports templates for layout and can easily handle complex data binding scenarios.

Key Features of ListView Control

• Supports multiple templates (ItemTemplate, AlternatingItemTemplate, etc.).
• Built-in support for paging, sorting, and editing.
• More suitable for complex data presentations.

Sample Code for ListView Control

    <asp:ListView ID="lvProducts" runat="server">
        <ItemTemplate>
            <div>
                <h3><%= Eval("ProductName") %></h3>
                <p>Price: <%= Eval("Price") %></p>
            </div>
        </ItemTemplate>
        <LayoutTemplate>
            <div class="list-view">
                <asp:PlaceHolder ID="itemPlaceholder" runat="server" />
            </div>
        </LayoutTemplate>
    </asp:ListView>
    

Code-behind to bind data:

    protected void Page_Load(object sender, EventArgs e)
    {
        if (!IsPostBack)
        {
            BindListView();
        }
    }

    private void BindListView()
    {
        lvProducts.DataSource = GetProducts();
        lvProducts.DataBind();
    }
    

3. Key Differences Between Repeater and ListView

Conclusion

Both Repeater and ListView controls are valuable tools in ASP.NET Web Forms for displaying data. The choice between them depends on the specific requirements of your application. If you need a simple list without built-in features, the Repeater is a great choice. However, if you require more advanced functionalities like paging and sorting, the ListView control is the better option.