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Resco AdvancedList .NET FAQs

Where can I use the control ?

The AdvancedList is written fully in managed code targeting .NET Framework 1.1 and Microsoft .NET Compact Framework. You can use it on any desktop computer with installed .NET Framework and on any mobile device that has support for .NET Compact Framework ( you can check the following page ). The component has desing time support best used with the Microsoft Visual Studio .NET 2003, or higher.

What is the difference between Standard and Professional edition ? How can I get the AdvancedListDesigner ?

The AdvancedListDesigner is a bonus tool that visualizes the customization and provides more features of customization. The AdvancedListDesigner is best suitable for enterprise developement specifically when you are using the XML templates, allowing the UI changes without the need to recompile project. You can also distribute the AdvancedListDesigner with your products, so you can provide your clients with the tool to customize your applications.

The control is grayed/is missing in the toolbox.

You should add the proper version of the control's library to the toolbox. When developing in the Compact Framework you should add to toolbox the design-time library located in [CF folder]/Design.

Where can I found the control's documentation ?

The documentation is integrated with the Visual Studio .NET during the installation process. You should try turning off the filters or restarting VS.NET if it is not displayed in the Help Contents...

If you want to explore documentation from out of VS.NET, you can use following command:

"C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\Help\dexplore.exe"
/helpcol ms-help://RESCO.Controls.1033

How can I visually separate the Header / Footer row from other rows ?

The grid underline is no longer used for HeaderRow from version 2.1. Convenient solution is to use distinct BackColor of the header/footer and default row templates.

You can still separate the Header (and Footer) with line using the SeparatorCell. If you want to use SeparatorCell to separate the Rows, use the Vertical SeparatorType (separates the cells vertically) with Height 1 and chosen ForeColor.

How to use the property FormatString for a date ?

The format string for the text cell is the same format string as for the String.Format method.

FormatString = {0:d}
'short date   FormatString = {0:dd/MM/yyyy}

See also the example in help topic for the FormatString property.

Can I change the colors, border, font, etc. for each displayed cell in each row separately ?

This is possible, but not in the simple manner. The Cell object is in fact the cell template, and it is same for all the rows with given (Current)TemplateIndex. Thus changing e.g. BackColor will change this color in many rows.

When you just need to differentiate small number of situations (e.g. positive, negative or zero revenue), it is best to prepare more RowTemplates and change the template index to appropriate template in the ValidateData handler:

void advancedList1_ValidateData
(object sender, Resco.Controls.ValidateDataArgs e)
	{
  	int index;
    if( e.DataRow["revenue"] > 0 )
    index = 1;
    else if( e.DataRow["revenue"] < 0 )
    index = 2;
    else
    index = 3;
    e.DataRow.TemplateIndex = 0;
    e.DataRow.SelectedTemplateIndex = index;
  }

If you need to bind some properties (data in the Row) to the look of the cell, you can create special cells derived from standard cells and use them in the template. The C# code snippets can help you with this task.

Why is the width of the cell given as -1 ? What values can I use ?

Width of the cell can be any positive value, in that case cell doesn't resize itself with the resizing the grid. Value of -1 has special meaning, which means the cell is extended to the end of the row, with the respect to vertical scroll bar. This is usefull specifically when vertical scroll bar is shown/hidden and right aligned text is used.

Can I use my own dataset/datatable and somehow set the controls datasource?

DataSet usage on PocketPC is discouraged due to performance reasons. If you require best performance, using DbConnector is encouraged.

From version 2.1 it is possible to use any standard data source like DataTable, DataView, ArrayList, ... You just need to set up the DataSource property.

How can I load the data from dataset/datatable/list ?

From version 2.1 you can use the property DataSource. Another way is to load the data manually, creating new Resco.Controls.Row for each DataRow you want to display in the AdvancedList.

We have prepared sample code in C# and Visual basic you can use in your applications.

You can also read more in the new tutorial.

Can I use datasources for DbConnector other than SqlServerCe ?

You can use any IDbCommand in conjunction with the DbConnector. Make sure the Command property of DbConnector is set to valid IDbCommand with existing IDbConnection before setting the ConnectionString and CommandText of the DbConnector or before using it:

System.Data.SqlClient.SqlConnection 
	connection = new System.Data.SqlClient.SqlConnection(connectionString);
System.Data.SqlClient.SqlCommand 
	cmd = new System.Data.SqlClient.SqlCommand(cmdText, connection);
advancedList1.DbConnector.Command = cmd;
advancedList1.Reload();

For the datasources like XML files or datasets the best solution is to use the databinding or manual loading of Rows into the AdvancedList. In more advanced usage you can also create own IDataConnector implementation, see the documentation. Own IDataConnector is set using the AdvancedList.DataConnector property.