While doing some research for something I was working on, I came across this blog about ASP.NET and the Viewstate.  This is a must read for those who are somewhat familiar with the viewstate and those who believe they know it all.   

http://weblogs.asp.net/infinitiesloop/archive/2006/08/03/Truly-Understanding-Viewstate.aspx

The following are some points that I took away from the article:

  • an ASP.NET control will automatically restore entered/selected values even if the ViewState is DISABLED!  (wait, what? I thought that is what the ViewState was for?)
  • the Viewstate is typically only required for simple controls if the controls will be hidden between post backs (otherwise, see point above)
  • if you databind your control on each request in the OnInit event, you can disable the ViewState and the control will still automatically restore entered/selected values