c# - ASP.NET Is there a better way to find controls that are within other controls?

Question

I currently have a dropdown inside an ascx control. I need to "find" it from within the code behind on another ascx that is on the same page. It's value is used as a param to an ObjectDataSource on ascx #2. I am currently using this ugly piece of code. It works but I realize if the conrtol order were to change or various other things, it wouldn't be where I am expecting. Does anyone have any advice how I should properly be doing this?

if(Page is ClaimBase)
{
  var p = Page as ClaimBase;
  var controls = p.Controls[0].Controls[3].Controls[2].Controls[7].Controls[0];
  var ddl = controls.FindControl("ddCovCert") as DropDownList;
}

Thanks and Happy New Year!! ~ck in San Diego

Answer 1

Expose a property on the user control class which will return the value you need. Let the page access the property.

Only the user control should know what controls are inside of it.