asked on

How can I access a public function in an open usercontrol from another form (WinForms)

I have a usercontrol (uc_Main) of which an instance is loaded and functions as a "main" page. On this control are a dozen or so lables that show total values of invoices, Accounts Receivable and so on.

These labels are updated when the control loads through a public function called "updateStats".

From this control a button opens a modal form (frmFIN_InvoiceClient.cs) that allows me to create invoices. When invoices are being created, I would need to update the totals on uc_Main to reflect the new activities.

I have tried to do it this way:

on frmFIN_InvoiceClient:

private void menuItem6_Click(object sender, EventArgs e)
{
... create invoices first ...
... then try and run the public function on uc_Main ...
uc_Main uc_Main = new uc_Main();
uc_Main.updateStats();
uc_Main.Update();
}
Which doesn't produce the results I am looking for.

How can I run the updateStats() public function on uc_Main that is currently open?

ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION

Mike Tomlinson

membership

This solution is only available to members.

To access this solution, you must be a member of Experts Exchange.

Start Free Trial

Dmitry G

First, I'd say that syntax like:

uc_Main uc_Main = new uc_Main();

is quite horrible and may lead to confusion. I'd neve give a name to an instance same as to the class. Better would be something like_
uc_Main mainControl = new uc_Main();

Anyway, to update the existing control you need to refer to the existing control, not to create a new one.
How to do:

I'd create a special constrictor for the frmFIN_InvoiceClient form, something like :

public frmFIN_InvoiceClient(uc_Main parentControl)
{
_parentControl = parentControl; // set the field

}

So, now your invoice create form knows about the control to be updated.

The rest should be easy:

private void menuItem6_Click(object sender, EventArgs e)
{
... create invoices first ...
... then try and run the public function on uc_Main ...

_parentControl.updateStats();
parentControl.Update();
}

Another issue is - how to pass required info to the uc_Main instance (parentControl). One way is to pass as arguments in the updateStats method. Another way - you call updateStats() and your uc_Main "interrogates" invoice form to get the information. Probably you have done this already.

Pls ask questions if the idea is not clear

conrad2010

ASKER

Hi anarki_jimbel,

I had already accepted previous answer before your posting showed (otherwise I would have split the points).

Thanks for your posting...