How to sort a bar chart without changing the query?

Question

I searched and tried a lot of different things, but I can't find a way to sort my column chart. We want to have the largest quantity at the top instead of at the bottom.

I can't change the query, but I need to sort the chart.

I tried the following:

ColumnChartMachine.Series(0).Sort(PointSortOrder.Descending, "Y")

and

 ColumnChartMachine.DataManipulator.Sort(PointSortOrder.Descending, "Y", "SeriesMachines")

Where I changed the Y to different values, and Ascending / Descending, just to see if it would do something, but no luck.

Any idea?

Answer 1

I can't change the query, but I need to sort the chart.

You don't need to change the query, you should be able to use either of the following options:

1. Sort data on the data source (no matter it's a DataTable or a List<T>, without changing your query, you can sort the result, on client).
2. Sort chart points after calling DataBind

Example

Assuming you have data in a DataTable or a List<T>, like this:

var table = new DataTable();
table.Columns.Add("Name", typeof(string));
table.Columns.Add("Value", typeof(int));
table.Rows.Add("FIT programmatiestation", 1);
table.Rows.Add("Atlas 1N36", 1);
table.Rows.Add("anilox cleaner", 1);
table.Rows.Add("Nietjespistool", 1);
table.Rows.Add("MORLOCK", 2);
table.Rows.Add("MA 2200 4k!", 2);
table.Rows.Add("Catena klein 2E21", 2);
table.Rows.Add("Automatische kokerslitter 76 mm", 2);
table.Rows.Add("ROP", 2);
table.Rows.Add("RDC 1", 4);
myChart.Series[0].ChartType =
    System.Windows.Forms.DataVisualization.Charting.SeriesChartType.Bar;
myChart.ChartAreas[0].AxisX.Interval = 1;

Option 1 - Sort data source:

myChart.DataSource = new DataView(table, "", "Value ASC", DataViewRowState.CurrentRows);
myChart.Series[0].XValueMember = "Name";
myChart.Series[0].YValueMembers = "Value";
myChart.DataBind();

Option 2 - Sort chart after calling DataBind:

myChart.DataSource = table;
myChart.Series[0].XValueMember = "Name";
myChart.Series[0].YValueMembers = "Value";
myChart.DataBind();
myChart.Series[0].Sort(
    System.Windows.Forms.DataVisualization.Charting.PointSortOrder.Ascending);

Both generate expected result: