The DataBinder.Eval method uses .NET reflection to evaluate the arguments that are passed in and to return the results. Consider limiting the use of DataBinder.Eval during data binding operations in order to improve ASP.NET page performance.
Consider the following ItemTemplate element within a Repeater control using DataBinder.Eval:
<ItemTemplate>
<tr>
<td><%# DataBinder.Eval(Container.DataItem, “field1″) %></td>
<td><%# DataBinder.Eval(Container.DataItem, “field2″) %></td>
</tr>
</ItemTemplate>
Using explicit casting offers better performance by avoiding the cost of .NET reflection. Cast the Container.DataItem as a DataRowView:
<ItemTemplate>
<tr>
<td><%# ((DataRowView)Container.DataItem)["field1"] %></td>
<td><%# ((DataRowView)Container.DataItem)["field2"] %></td>
</tr>
</ItemTemplate>
2/12/2008