July 2011 - Posts
In the last screencasts we've seen how to use and implement IValueConverter and how to use Multi-Binding for advanced data binding scenarios.
This time we continue with advanced binding and explore the benefits of PriorityBinding, a useful binding gem feature that lets you define multiple sources for your binding target value, with priorities.
Please notice that the screencast was recorded in Hebrew, but the demo is clear enough to be watched without understanding a word.
You can watch the screencast on YouTube HD here.
Or here, embedded in my blog:
On my next screencast we will see how you to use Priority-Binding in a WPF application.
That's it for now,
Arik Poznanski.
All is set:
- Conference ticket – check.
- Plane ticket – check.
- Hotel – check.
Build – Here I come!
If everything goes as scheduled, in approx. a month and a half I'll be on the plane to Anaheim California, heading to the biggest conference Microsoft ever produced.
Build (AKA PDC 2011) will be all about Windows 8.
From some research I've done, which from obvious reasons can't be disclosed at this stage, Windows 8 is going to bring the biggest revolution since .NET was invented.
I can't wait hearing about all the new Windows 8 feature I'll get to play with in the coming year :)
If you're coming to the conference feel free to drop me a mail.
That's it for now,
Arik Poznanski.
In my last two screencasts I showed how you can use and implement IValueConverter to control the data binding process.
This time we continue our exploration of the data binding customizations and see what does multi-binding mean and how to use and implement IMultiValueConverter.
Please notice that the screencast was recorded in Hebrew, but the demo is clear enough to be watched without understanding a word.
You can watch the screencast on YouTube HD here.
Or here, embedded in my blog:
That's it for now,
Arik Poznanski.
This screencast is a direct continuation of the previous one, where I showed how to use an object implementing IValueConverter in WPF. In this screencast I show how to implement IValueConverter to provide custom logic when performing data binding.
Please notice that the screencast was recorded in Hebrew, but the demo is clear enough to be watched without understanding a word.
You can watch the screencast on YouTube HD here.
Or here, embedded in my blog:
On my next screencast we will see how you to use Multi-Binding in a WPF application.
That's it for now,
Arik Poznanski.
Recently, I've recorded some screencasts that demonstrates common techniques when implementing line-of-business applications in WPF. In the coming month, each week, I will release a new screencast on a topic of choice.
I've decided to start my screencasts with a few common binding techniques.
In the first screencast I give a simple demonstration on how to use IValueConverter in a WPF application. Please notice that the screencast was recorded in Hebrew, but the demo is clear enough to be watched without understanding a word.
You can watch the screencast on YouTube HD here.
Or here, embedded in my blog:
On my next screencast we will see how you can implement a new
IValueConverter in WPF.
That's it for now,
Arik Poznanski.
While working on the Windows Ribbon Framework I’ve came across many repeating questions from users. So I’ve decided to write a Frequently Asked Questions post regarding the Windows Ribbon Framework and its wrapper Windows Ribbon for WinForms.
The questions were collected from the Windows Ribbon Development forum, Windows Ribbon for WinForms Discussions and from comments posted on my blog.
What are the supported platforms for the Windows Ribbon Framework?
The Windows Ribbon Framework is only supported on:
- Windows 7
- Windows Vista with Service Pack 2 (SP2) and Platform Update for Windows Vista
- Windows Server 2008 R2
- windows Server 2008 with SP2 and Platform Update for Windows Server 2008
Specifically, Windows XP is not supported.
What are the prerequisites for using the Windows Ribbon Framework or the Ribbon for WinForms project?
You need to work on a Windows 7 or Vista machine. And you need to install Windows 7 SDK.
Is the Windows Ribbon Framework free?
Yes, it’s free. It comes as part of the operating system (Vista and up).
What is the licensing of the Windows Ribbon Framework?
Is the license the same as other Windows controls or it is Office 2007?
Just like Windows common controls, there are no unusual licensing requirements involved when using the Windows Ribbon framework in your applications.
Is it possible to use the Windows Ribbon Framework in WinForms application?
Of course. Simply use the Windows Ribbon for WinForms library. The library includes numerous samples in C# and VB.NET.
How can I use the ribbon in a WPF application?
Well, you can’t. Not using the Windows Ribbon Framework. If you need a WPF ribbon check out Microsoft Ribbon for WPF.
How many ribbon controls are out there?
Lot’s. Windows Ribbon Framework, MFC version, WPF version, Office version, SharePoint version, and many more 3rd party ribbon controls.
The "Windows Ribbon Framework" is a ribbon control provided with Windows 7 (and Windows Vista via platform update), intended to be used by native C++ developers (WIN32). It is based on COM and has a .NET WinForms wrapper.
The syntax of the ribbon XML is NOT XAML, but similar. ("XAML-like").
There is another ribbon control for MFC developers provided with Visual Studio 2008 SP1. This ribbon follows the MFC guidelines.
There is a version of a WPF Ribbon control that is provided by Microsoft for WPF developers.
Does Windows Ribbon Framework Support MDI?
The Windows Ribbon Framework does not support MDI windows and so is the ribbon wrapper library.
A Ribbon framework application must implement a custom MDI mechanism to support MDI functionality.
Can I change the ribbon in runtime? (i.e. add elements, change tabs, etc.)
Yes, you can dynamically add items to a both command and item galleries.
For more information, see the Working with Galleries topic at http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dd742868(VS.85).aspx.
You can change the tabs by using Application Modes as described in the MSDN article at http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dd940486(VS.85).aspx.
My ribbon-enabled application crash when I close it. Any suggestions?
Yes, If you close the application by clicking a ribbon button, you are destroying the ribbon, while you use it. This cause the crash.
Either run the close method using a timer, or don’t close the application using a ribbon button.
If you are using C++ you can simply use PostMessage instead of SendMessage to post the quit message.
Check the following blog post for more details: Crash while closing application that uses Windows Ribbon Framework
What are the requirements for the ribbon images?
Ribbon images must be in 32bpp BMP file format. no PNG and no 24bpp BMP.
However they don't really have a resolution constraint, they have recommendations
but if you provide images of the wrong size the framework will just resize them to fit.
To convert your images to 32bpp BMP you can use the tool presented in How to convert an image to 32 bit BMP.
You can find more details on working with images in a ribbon application here.
Where can I find Windows 7 Ribbon XML schema file?
Checkout the UICC.xsd file in the folder: <<C:\Program Files\Microsoft SDKs\Windows\v7.0\Bin>>
Where can I find more details on the Windows Ribbon for WinForms project?
A: In my blog. I’ve written dozens of blog posts describing the different aspects of the Windows Ribbon Framework and its wrapper library. Find them all here:
http://blogs.microsoft.co.il/blogs/arik/archive/tags/Ribbon/default.aspx
That’s it for now,
Arik Poznanski.
I've recently been announced that I was awarded the Microsoft Community Contributor Award for the year 2011!
For those who don't know: "The Microsoft Community Contributor Award is reserved for participants who have made notable contributions in Microsoft online community forums such as TechNet, MSDN and Answers."
In the past year I've written approximately one hundred blog posts, published numerous articles on CodeProject, WebMaster.org.il and HWzone.co.il and contributed a few CodePlex and MSDN Code Gallery projects. I've also participated in moderating the MS .NET Israel forum and frequent many other MS forums.
I'm truly honored to receive this award.
You can expect more posts on anything WPF, Silverlight and WP7 and any other client related technologies (Windows 8 anyone?) in the coming months..
That's it for now,
Arik Poznanski.