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Frames question

Hi,

Is it possible to load different frames in a single container, I need to create a wizard, I think using different Forms (frames) will be easier. But When I select the frame container, it asks me what frame to use, and I see no option to load another frame. or unload one.
Or should I create the container at runtime, when needed?? if so how?

Any hints tips or advice, on making wizards is appreciated, Since they will be graphic heavy, I need to keep the memory load low. And I know using panels just eats up memory. because they are all created at runtime. While the forms are not. Is this also the case for Frames?

Thanks
Marc

Epsylon

You can dynamically create frames you build in the designer. Below the source of the main unit (unit1). It uses unit2 which has a few components on it.
Button1 creates an instance of the frame (defined in unit2) and shows it on the main form.
Button2 removes it.

unit Unit1;

interface

uses
Windows, Messages, SysUtils, Classes, Graphics, Controls, Forms, Dialogs,
StdCtrls;

type
TForm1 = class(TForm)
Button1: TButton;
procedure Button1Click(Sender: TObject);
private
{ Private declarations }
Frame: TFrame;
public
{ Public declarations }
end;

var
Form1: TForm1;

implementation

uses Unit2;

{$R *.DFM}

procedure TForm1.Button1Click(Sender: TObject);
begin
Frame := TFrame2.Create(Self);
Frame.SetBounds(150, 100, 200, 200);
Frame.Parent := Self;
end;

procedure TForm1.Button2Click(Sender: TObject);
begin
Frame.Free;
end;

end.

Epsylon

Please take a look at my plugin-interface demo too:

http://www5.ewebcity.com/epsylon/download.asp?file=PluginInterface.zip

Regards,

Epsylon.

flooder

To unload a frame simply delete it.
Two put two frames on one form simply select one put in on the form and select the next one. If you want two frames acting as one, make a third frame that consists of the two previous frames and drop this single third frame on your form. The demo in delphi directory \\demos\frames\db\...
is also a good example of frame capibilities and mixing frames and databases.

Cheers
Gerhardus

flooder

If your frame is dropped on the form in design time it is created when you start you application because it is then only a fancy container. Epsylon's demo will work fine to create a frame dynamically just make sure that the frames unit is included in the forms uses clause that want to create it.

Weereens Groete
Gerhardus

tzxie2000

Using table control with be more easy.
But using table control may need more memory.
If you apreciate with it,I can provide some code for you.

hellfire052497

ASKER

Hi all,

Thanks for the info, Epsylon's first solution is exactly what I had in mind. So Epsylon if you want to lock the question, so I can give you the points.

Thanks
Marc

ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION

Epsylon

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hellfire052497

ASKER

Hi Epsylon,

I have one question left. I cannot find an Oncreate event with frames. I normally use this to initialize stuff.

Any idea how to do this with a Frame??

Thanks
Marc

Epsylon

Hi Marc, in the frame-unit you can override the constructor and add aditional code like this:

unit Unit2;

interface

uses
Windows, Messages, SysUtils, Classes, Graphics, Controls, Forms, Dialogs,
StdCtrls;

type
TFrame2 = class(TFrame)
Edit1: TEdit;
private
{ Private declarations }
public
{ Public declarations }
constructor Create(AOwner: TComponent); override;
end;

implementation

{$R *.DFM}

{ TFrame2 }

constructor TFrame2.Create(AOwner: TComponent);
begin
inherited;
// out your own stuff here
end;

end.

hellfire052497

ASKER

Hi Epsylon,

Thanks for the info. It just reminded me why I love Delphi so much ;-)

Take Care
Marc