title: Porting ASP.NET (Telerik) multi-column combobox to MVC.
body: <p>I need to port the functionality of this <a href="http://demos.telerik.com/aspnet-ajax/combobox/examples/functionality/multicolumncombo/defaultcs.aspx" rel="nofollow noreferrer">one and only one AJAX control</a> to MVC, but given the poor selection of MVC controls out there, I think I need to bring this legacy control into the MVC world...  </p>
  
  <p>I'd rather not taint my MVC project with ASP.NET controls, and welcome json/MVC alternatives you know of.  (post them if you know of any)</p>
  
  <p><strong>Sample UI that I need in ASP.NET MVC</strong>
  <img src="https://i.stack.imgur.com/N8SXj.png" alt="Combo sample"></p>
  
  <p><strong>Back to porting</strong></p>
  
  <p>Although it's unfortunate that I am left to porting this control to MVC, it seems to be a widely accepted practice since Telerik has <a href="http://www.telerik.com/help/aspnet-ajax/mvc-getting-started.html" rel="nofollow noreferrer">detailed instructions</a> on <a href="http://demos.telerik.com/aspnet-ajax/Common/QSFInstructions/Instructions.html" rel="nofollow noreferrer">how do this</a>.   </p>
  
  <p>That makes me ask:</p>
  
  <blockquote>
    <p>How common is it for a MVC website to use ASP.NET controls?</p>
  </blockquote>
  
  <p>Again I'll mention I don't want to do this so I welcome MVC-specific alternatives.  That being said, I'll proceed with trying to merge that control with my existing site. <code>&lt;/End Disclaimer&gt;</code></p>
  
  <p>If you <a href="http://demos.telerik.com/aspnet-ajax/combobox/examples/functionality/multicolumncombo/defaultcs.aspx" rel="nofollow noreferrer">click on this hyperlink</a>, and look at the source code at the bottom, can you tell me where I should put the following in MVC?</p>
  
  <ol>
  <li><p>Code behind (My first instinct is to use a Controller but <a href="https://stackoverflow.com/q/680448/328397">another SO question</a> indicates I should create a create a ViewName.aspx.cs file)</p></li>
  <li><p>How do I port the <a href="http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dz12d98w%28v=VS.100%29.aspx" rel="nofollow noreferrer">SQLDataSource</a> to the new "Model" way of thinking.  I know they are different in nature but I don't know how to present data to a ASP.NET control in a way that it will consume the information. </p></li>
  <li><p>How do I handle the AJAX component?  This control has an AJAX component using callbacks.  Yes this is getting ugly, but it seems like I have to do this.</p></li>
  <li><p>Apparently this model saves data in session or view-state.  I have no idea if this even work in MVC.  Guidance, an alternate control, or a life preserver is much appreciated.</p></li>
  </ol>
  
  <p>I've already done research and have <a href="http://www.telerik.com/help/aspnet-ajax/mvc-getting-started.html" rel="nofollow noreferrer">instructions from Telerik here</a> <a href="http://demos.telerik.com/aspnet-ajax/Common/QSFInstructions/Instructions.html" rel="nofollow noreferrer">and here</a> that describes how to get started with placing a simple menu, but I need a little assistance with the more complex controls like this one.</p>
  
  <blockquote>
    <p>Note: For all the commentary that has hit this question, please remember that I only want <strong>this one</strong> ASP.NET control functionality; I can't find a comparable control in MVC.     </p>
  </blockquote>