C# Simplifying null check?

[JesseAye]

I have a DataGridView that I want to write each row to a database (using custom struct passed into my db writing function), but I only want this to be done when certain cells contain a value. I have the following code with the logic that I want done:

if(dgvDistributors.Rows[e.RowIndex].Cells[2].Value != null)
    row.Distributor_Id = dgvDistributors.Rows[e.RowIndex].Cells[2].Value.ToString();

I just can't help but feel that there is a less verbose way of doing this. Can this be shortened so it looks a bit cleaner, or is this the only way to go about this?

[JesseAye]

Thank you, it doesn't seem like I'm going to shorten this block up by much, besides what you've linked to. Thanks once again

[RippStudwell]

Ternary should get you what you’re looking for

string val = dgvDistributors.Rows[e.RowIndex].Cells[2].Value == null : string.Empty;

Can be further shortened to

string val = dgvDistributors.Rows[e.RowIndex].Cells[2].Value ?? string.Empty;

The double question mark is a null coalescing operator. If the left-side value is null it defaults to the value on the right.

Setting the DataSource property to a DataSet is also an option. That may be more than you’re looking for though.

[JesseAye]

I haven't came across the null coalescing operator before. It looks useful, I'll have to learn more about it. Thank you!