From String... to Variable... to Listbox [Newbian looking for help]

Question

Hello all, thanks for reading. I am trying to learn C# and have picked up a lot very quickly by reading tutorials, watching videos, using boards, and writing a practice piece. I am currently stuck on a problem... // ... I have a form that shows details of Operatives. On that form has a listbox where I have a list of skills that the operative has. This list needs to be add to by the User. Also this list will be searchable later in the programme. I have come up with a comma deliminated string. With the code |__|CODE|__| char[] splits = { ' ', ',' }; |__|CODE|__| to help split up the deliminated entries. This works fine, but I would like the string to get its information from the database table, and in reverse have any selection saved back to the database. <.....> QUESTION: How can I have my Variable call a specific field in an sql database table that currently holds a string of comma deliminated text (nvarchar). <.....> ATTEMPT : |__|CODE|__| str = Database1DataSet.OperativeDataTable.Equals ("Skills"); |__|CODE |__| needless to say this idea didn't work, but I simply cannot work out the correct syntax, I'm convinced however that it is achievable. Thank you for your help I very much appreciate your time and effort.