How can I have an ascx postback and refresh itself automatically every X seconds?

Question

I have an ascx control bound to a datasource with frequently changing data. Is there a quick way to have an ascx control postback, rebind and refresh itself every X seconds. The ascx control is in an update panel.

Answer 1

Use a timer control from the AJAX toolkit since you are already using it:

<asp:Timer ID="tmrPolling" runat="server" Interval="10000" ontick="tmrPolling_Tick"></asp:Timer>

Add a trigger to your update panel like:

<Triggers>
    <asp:AsyncPostBackTrigger ControlID="tmrPolling" EventName="Tick" />
</Triggers>

Then just implement the tmrPolling_Tick handler:

protected void tmrPolling_Tick(object sender, EventArgs e)
{
    // Change your update panel controls and data here.
}

Do not add the timer within your update panel content area.