Now that I can see the data in the datagrid, I realize that the size of the fields is too small - the customerid and customer name fields both could use expanding so that I can see all of the text. Is there a way to programmatically extend the length of the field so that it can show the entire string?

Something like this?
It will expand the last column in the datagridview. You can edit it to your needs :=)

Private Sub DataGridView1_DataBindingComplete(ByVal sender As Object, ByVal e As System.Windows.Forms.DataGridViewBindingCompleteEventArgs) Handles DataGridView1.DataBindingComplete

        Dim _DGV As DataGridView = DirectCast(sender, DataGridView)
        _DGV.Columns(_DGV.ColumnCount - 1).AutoSizeMode = DataGridViewAutoSizeColumnMode.Fill
    End Sub

To help you a little more:

You also can add a ContextMenuStrip to your solution and respond on the rightclicking of a user into one of the columns in your datagrid.
For example, if the user rightclicks into a column a menuitem will be shown with "show all data". If clicked, that particular column will be autosized.

Add the variabele _ActiveColumn to the general declaration section.
Add a contextmenu to your solution with 1 item "Show all data"

Private _ActiveColumn As Integer = 0


    Private Sub DataGridView1_CellMouseDown(ByVal sender As Object, ByVal e As System.Windows.Forms.DataGridViewCellMouseEventArgs) Handles DataGridView1.CellMouseDown
        _ActiveColumn = e.ColumnIndex

        If e.Button = Windows.Forms.MouseButtons.Right Then
            Me.ContextMenuStrip1.Show(Me.DataGridView1, New Point(e.X, e.Y))
        End If

    End Sub

    Private Sub ShowAllDataToolStripMenuItem_Click(ByVal sender As System.Object, ByVal e As System.EventArgs) Handles ShowAllDataToolStripMenuItem.Click
        For Each oCol As DataGridViewColumn In Me.DataGridView1.Columns
            If oCol.Index = _ActiveColumn Then
                oCol.AutoSizeMode = DataGridViewAutoSizeColumnMode.Fill
            Else
                oCol.AutoSizeMode = DataGridViewAutoSizeColumnMode.DisplayedCells
            End If
        Next
    End Sub

I need to look back at what I did with asp.net and try to figure out the differences in datagrid from forms to asp

Ok I've finally gotten to look at these snippets.... 4Advanced, works like a charm.... :)

Will keep the right click option for another time ;)

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