Overview
A DataTable represents one table (collection of rows and columns) of data. For example, an excel spreadsheet of data would be considered a DataTable. Below is an example of a simple DataTable:
| Fruit | Color | Price |
|---|---|---|
|
Apple |
Red |
$0.99 |
|
Pear |
Green |
$0.75 |
|
Blueberries |
Blue |
$1.20 |
DataTables are very useful for automation as they can assist with manipulating and modifying large sets of data just as you would with an excel spreadsheet.
Below are the key characteristics of a DataTable:
- Variable Size – The size of a DataTable is not fixed and new rows or columns can be added at any point during an automation.
- Ordered Rows & Columns – The columns and rows of a DataTable are in a specific order which can be changed using various methods.
- Various Data Type – DataTables can house various data types as long as all values within one column are the same data type. That means you can have one column storing integers and another storing strings in the same DataTable.
Contents
What can you do with DataTables?
Below are some great examples of the use of DataTables:
- Add Data Row/Column
- Filter Data Table
- Join Data Table
- Remove Duplicate Rows
- Remove Data Rows/Columns
Commonly Used Properties
The following are some commonly used properties DataTables. A property is a characteristic or attribute of an object (i.e. DataTable). To learn more about properties, click here.
Columns - Obtains a collection of columns.
| Example Property | Return Type |
|---|---|
|
DataTable.Columns |
DataColumnCollection |
Rows - Obtains a collection of rows.
| Example Property | Return Type |
|---|---|
|
DataTable.Rows |
DataRowCollection |
Commonly Used Methods
The following are some commonly used methods for DataTables. Methods are actions that objects (i.e. DataTables) can perform. To learn more about methods, click here.
Select - Gets an array of DataRow objects.
| Example Method | Return Type |
|---|---|
|
DataTable.Select |
DataRow[] |
Select(String) - Gets an array of filtered DataRow objects.
| Example Method | Return Type |
|---|---|
|
DataTable.Select("[Name]='George'") |
DataRow[] |
Clear - Clears the DataTable of all data.
| Example Method | Return Type |
|---|---|
|
DataTable.Clear |
DataTable |
Clone - Clones the structure of the DataTable, but does not clone the data within.
| Example Method | Return Type |
|---|---|
|
DataTable.Clone |
DataTable |
Copy - Copies both the structure and data of the DataTable.
| Example Method | Return Type |
|---|---|
|
DataTable.Copy |
DataTable |
