WinStudio

Understanding Component Classes

In WinStudio, a component class is a type of global object that lets you reuse sets of component attributes by packaging them together. For example, instead of specifying a caption, a list of values, and a validator for each component, you can create a component class that bundles each of those attributes. You can then base a new component on the component class to inherit those attributes automatically. A component can override the attributes of its component class. Updating a component class automatically updates every component that inherits from the class.

You can create a component class for any type of component. The packaged attributes are inheritable in the WinStudio inheritance hierarchy.

• General attributes such as captions, tool tips, and read-only or disabled behavior
• Data attributes such as default values, data types, list source, and validation
• Display attributes such as justification, font and color, and formatting for numbers and special types of data
• Behavior attributes such as shortcut menus, event generation, drill-down to Find or Add/Details forms, and attributes for dynamically enabling or disabling a component
• Other attributes that are specific to a type of component

To create a component class:

1. Enter Design Mode.
2. On the Edit menu, select Component Class.
3. Click New.
4. Specify a Name for the component class.
5. Specify the attributes of the component class.
6. Click OK.

TIP: You can create a component class based on a component.

Related Topics

About Inheritance from IDOs, Component Classes, and Property Class Extensions

Tip: Inheritance Strategies