MVC Linq for multiple selects that allow multiple selections

Question

I have a MVC web application with multiple selects that allow multiple selections that the user can use to filter data. For example: A car database where the user can select by make, color and body style. A possible search would be (Red OR Blue) AND (Chevy OR Ford) AND (SUV). I have all the selects returned in my viewmodel as array of strings and all gets returned to my controller correctly. I have the Color array with 'Red' and 'Blue', the Model array with 'Chevy' and 'Ford' and the BodyStyle array with 'SUV'. Now that I have the model posted to the controller, how do I construct the linq statement that will allow and of these criteria to me blank or contain multiple selections?

Model:

public class SearchViewModel
{
    public string[] Model { get; set; }
    public string[] Color { get; set; }
    public string[] Body { get; set; }
}

Controller:

public ActionResult Search(SearchViewModel search)
{
    //TODO: Create linq for all search criteria
    List<Cars> cars = db.Cars.Where(car => car.Model == search.Model[0]);

    return View(cars);
}

can you give us a sample of you data where you want to perform the LINQ? — Dalorzo
– Dalorzo, Commented Aug 4, 2014 at 20:01
Welcome to Stack Overflow. You have a great description of what you are attempting to do, but have provided no code. Please take a minute to read Help Center > Asking > How do I ask a good question?. It will benefit both you and the people trying to help you. — Erik Philips
– Erik Philips, Commented Aug 4, 2014 at 20:03

jhilden · Accepted Answer · 2014-08-04 20:03:58Z

1

var list = new List<string> { "red", "orange"};

    from c in DB.Cars
    where list == null || list.Contains(c.Color)
    select c;

answered Aug 4, 2014 at 20:03

jhilden

12.5k5 gold badges56 silver badges77 bronze badges

Sign up to request clarification or add additional context in comments.

2 Comments

Ed Edington Over a year ago

When I try 'db.Cars.Where(car => search.Color== null || search.Color.Contains(car.Color)).ToList();' I get an error when doing the check for null: Cannot compare elements of type 'System.Collections.Generic.List`1'. Only primitive types, enumeration types and entity types are supported.

Ed Edington Over a year ago

I initialize my list in the SearchViewModel and check if list count is zero: List<Car> cars= db.Car.Where(car => search.Color.Count == 0 || search.Color.Contains(car.Color)).ToList();

Collectives™ on Stack Overflow

MVC Linq for multiple selects that allow multiple selections

1 Answer 1

2 Comments

Your Answer

Hot Network Questions

Collectives™ on Stack Overflow

1 Answer 1

2 Comments

Your Answer

Sign up or log in

Post as a guest

Related