How To Convert a List Into a DataTable

Introduction

This blog explains how to convert a list into a DataTable.

List To Data Table

Step 1

 

Add Some Reference

using System.Collections.Generic;
using System.ComponentModel;
using System.Data;

This above reference is used to allow DataTable, PropertyDescriptor classes

Step 2

 

Create an ExtensionMethod Method

public static class ExtensionMethod {
    public static DataTable ToDataTable < T > (this List < T > iList) {
        DataTable dataTable = new DataTable();
        PropertyDescriptorCollection propertyDescriptorCollection =
            TypeDescriptor.GetProperties(typeof(T));
        for (int i = 0; i < propertyDescriptorCollection.Count; i++) {
            PropertyDescriptor propertyDescriptor = propertyDescriptorCollection[i];
            Type type = propertyDescriptor.PropertyType;

            if (type.IsGenericType && type.GetGenericTypeDefinition() == typeof(Nullable < > ))
                type = Nullable.GetUnderlyingType(type);
            dataTable.Columns.Add(propertyDescriptor.Name, type);
        }
        object[] values = new object[propertyDescriptorCollection.Count];
        foreach(T iListItem in iList) {
            for (int i = 0; i < values.Length; i++) {
                values[i] = propertyDescriptorCollection[i].GetValue(iListItem);
            }
            dataTable.Rows.Add(values);
        }
        return dataTable;
    }
}

Step 3

 

I add sample code, as shown below

public partial class Form1: Form {
    public Form1() {
        InitializeComponent();
        List < ad > obj = new List < ad > ();
        obj.Add(new ad {
            Name = "ss"
        });
        DataTable dt = obj.ToDataTable();
    }
}

internal class ad {
    public string Name {
        get;
        set;
    }
}