ExecuteScalar return value

[vanikanc]

Hello, I have used this method but to return a single int value. Now I am returuing a string. I have tried to define the local variable as a string as well as object. It just does not seem to be returning a string value. I have tried the following different ways: 1. string name = sqlcommRights.ExecuteScalar() as string; 2. string name = (string)sqlcommRights.ExecuteScalar(); 3. object name = sqlcommRights.ExecuteScalar(); I am printing the SQL statement and running in sql server, that returns a single row value like 'John Smith'. To check value - Response.Write(name); Am I missing something here?

[Gareth H]

Try;

string name = sqlcommRights.ExecuteScalar().ToString();

Though, Its a good idea to check the result isnt null before trying to access it.

Regards, Gareth. (FKA gareth111)

[Keith Barrow]

I'm surprised 2 & 3 don't work. The thing to do to figure out why they don't: 1. What is the error message you are getting? 2. In version 3, have you put a breakpoint on to see what value you get back - it is a good idea to check this in code even if it works on the SQL side.

Sort of a cross between Lawrence of Arabia and Dilbert.[^]
-Or-
A Dead ringer for Kate Winslett[^]

[Lost User]

What is the SQL code that you are calling? Is it a stored proc? If yes, did you put a SELECT statement there?

[Matt Meyer]

If everything is working when you run the query manually (sounds like you have verified this already), use method #3 and check if name is null, and if not, check name.GetType() to see what the framework thinks the type being returned from the command is.

[PIEBALDconsult]

Those look reasonable, but check for System.DBNull.Value Here's my current code for ExecuteScalar:

    public virtual T
    ExecuteScalar<T>
    (
        T IfNull
    )
    {
        lock ( this.command )
        {
            try
            {
                this.OpenCount++ ;

                object result = this.command.ExecuteScalar() ;

                if ( ( result == null ) || ( result == System.DBNull.Value ) ) 
                {
                    result = IfNull ;
                }
                else if ( typeof(T) != result.GetType() )
                {
                    result = System.Convert.ChangeType
                    (
                        result
                    ,
                        typeof(T)
                    ) ;
                }
                this.RaiseEvent ( this.OnSuccess , 1 , null ) ;
                return ( (T) result ) ;
            }
            catch ( System.Exception err )
            {
                throw ( this.WrapException
                (
                    "ExecuteScalar"
                ,
                    this.command
                ,
                    err
                ) ) ;
            }
            finally
            {
                this.OpenCount-- ;
            }
        }
    }