Reading XML Documentation at Run-Time
Explains how to write a series of extension methods to read the XML comments/documentation for classes/properties/methods/parameters/etc at run-time, using LINQ-to-XML and reflection. Continue reading
Category Archives: Downloadable source code
Binding to Properties on Aggregated Objects
Regular Windows Forms data-binding can only bind to the properties directly belonging to each list item. This post explains how to bind to properties of properties (and so on, recursively) by creating a special collection class that exposes nested properties using ITypedList and PropertyDescriptor. You can use AggregationBindingList as a data source for the ComboBox, ListBox and DataGridView controls. Continue reading
Building a Better ExtractAssociatedIcon
Describes the shortcomings of the ExtractAssociatedIcon method in System.Drawing.Icon in situations where the user wants a small icon or the icon for a file type instead of an existing file. Proposes a solution using the Win32 functions SHGetFileInfo and ExtractIconEx (via PInvoke). Continue reading
A Force-Directed Diagram Layout Algorithm
Describes force-directed (or force-based) diagram layout algorithms and explores an implementation in C#. Covers nodes and connections, forces, Coulomb’s Law, Hooke’s Law, vectors, velocity and displacement. Includes full source code and a sample application. Continue reading
A ComboBox Control With Grouping
Covers the development and theory behind an extended ComboBox control that displays its items in groups/categories. Explains the principles behind Windows Forms data binding and how property values can be easily retrieved from data sources using BindingSource and PropertyDescriptor objects. Also details the best-practice techniques for measuring and painting an OwnerDrawVariable combo box in code. Examples and source code are provided. Continue reading