LINQ Query all if SearchVal is empty

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.NET3.5

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We have a winForms app in which a user car search for Vehicles. My query works fine if a value is given, but if you leave it blank it retrieves nothing ('cos is basically executing .Contains("")).

With a normal SQL query you would use something like this:
"SELECT * FROM Vehicles WHERE Make LIKE '%" + SearchVal + "%'"

If Search val is empty, the query will simply return everything.

But in LINQ I have to do this:
from v in ent.Vehicles
where v.Make.Contains(SearchVal)
Select
{
...
}

Now if Searchval is empty it return nothing (makes sens cos it's looking for nothing). How can I get the desired result here?

Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks

Posted 8-Nov-10 21:28pm

NeCroFire

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Hiren solanki 9-Nov-10 3:31am

Fire query only when there is searchValue.

1 solution

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David Ewen · Accepted Answer · 2010-11-08T21:37:00

Solution 1

SQL

from v in ent.Vehicles
where v.Make.Contains(SearchVal) || String.IsNullOrEmpty(SearchVal)
Select
{
...
}

Posted 8-Nov-10 21:37pm

David Ewen

Comments

NeCroFire 9-Nov-10 8:08am

So simple, yet it's something I wouldn't have thought of.

Thanks