| 04 June 2010
VisualExtender is a special component, which can extend the functionality of other components about new visual functions. How does it work? You insert VisualExtender into Form and all components, which occur in Form, are extended about new properties, including Form. VisualExtender uses for this function Extender Provider from .NET Framework.
Visual Extender is part of EntrySet Components and .NET WinForms Suite
Visual Abilities
VisualExtender distinguishes between two types of components - Containers and Controls. Each type has different visual possibilities.
Containers
Container type components include e.g. Form and Panel. In these components you can insert other components. VisualExtender extendeds Containers with these visual functions.
Background
This function can color the background of component in several different ways. It can also draw a watermark on the component's background, which is created by the mark of graphic font Windings or another font.
Background consists of three parts: Background Fill, Watermark and Image
Title
This function can display the title and subtitle of the component's background. This can be used e.g. to display the form's name and other supplementary information.
Controls
Other visual components e.g. TextBox, Label and Checkbox. By means of VisualExtender can be Controls extended about these visual functions:
Caption
For description of each component are classically used labels. This function draws next to component Caption without necessity using Label control. Caption can be displayed in several different ways.
Caption essentially consists of two parts - Caption and Shape. Caption is text portion and Shape is background filled rectangle portion. Following image shows several examples of Caption and Shape in use:
Hyperlink
This function displays Caption in style of hyperlink. It means that it is possible to click on hyperlink and cause specific operation.
Required Sign
This function displays Required Sign at data entry component. It means that user has to enter data in this section.
Flag
This function can display so-called Flag next to the component. It is a simple picture (e.g. flag, point, arrow, diamond), which can represent specific condition or information. You can click on the Flag and cause some operation.
Shadow
This function has very simple task - to display a shadow under the component. It can cause an impression of three-dimensional space and reach that way more attractive user interface.
Design-time
VisualExtender was designed to be very easy to work with in design-time. VisualExtender changes appearance of your application and that is why it is important to have possibility seeing all changes immediately. The appearance of application in design-time must be the same as in run-time not to be necessary to compile and initialize the project after each change.
Work with VisualExtender is similar to work in graphic program. For adjusting of the particular visual functions can be used so-called Visual Editors, which look similar as
Tool Box in graphic programs. From the context menu of component you choose e.g. command Captions and Visual Editor for Caption presetting displays.
The properties of visual functions can be also set in classical way with Property Window. Object model of VisualExtender is designed carefully. Properties have logical hierarchical structure, which can be easily understood.
The Visual Extender is part of .NET WinForms Suite.
Download trial version here or purchase full version here.
