Loading a dropdown with 17000+ values without much delay- asp.net, c#, ajax, jquery

Question

I have a dropdown which needs to be loaded with 17000+ values and when I use regular asp dropdown control, it takes 2-3 seconds to load the values. I have tried using telerik control but that also takes almost the same time. Is there a way I can use jquery ajax to load the values quickly?

Answer 1

To me it this seems like a scenario where if you have to ask yourself that question you are probably doing something wrong. I suggest instead of using a dropdown to go for something that fits your requirements better. Such as multiple dropdowns ( Category etc). A search box that shows suggestions as a dropdown would be an option as well.

Some resources on the implementation of a textbox with dropdown suggestions:

• http://jqueryui.com/autocomplete/
• https://ajaxcontroltoolkit.codeplex.com/documentation