Folderbrowserdialog Unmasked: Everything You Wanted to Know About the Folder Browser Component From .net Framework

01/03/2010

Original Article :http://www.ssware.com/articles/folderbrowserdialog-unmasked-everything-you-wanted-to-know-about-the-folder-browser-component-from-dotnet-framework.htm



Introduction



The FolderBrowserDialog, available as part of the .Net framework, provides a folder browser component for your C# and VB.Net applications. The UI consists of a modal dialog which contains a tree control displaying all the files and folders on the system. The user can then browse and select a folder from the tree. The full path of the selected folder is then returned.



Basic Usage



To display a folder explorer UI to the user, a FolderBrowserDialog instance is created and the ShowDialog method is called. This shows the modal dialog containing the folder browser control (tree) and an OK and Cancel button. If the user selects a folder and clicks the OK button, the ShowDialog method returns DialogResult.OK and the SelectedPath property contains the full path of the selected folder. If the user clicks the Cancel button, the ShowDialog method returns DialogResult.Cancel.



Advanced Usage



The FolderBrowserDialog has some additional features such as limiting the view of the file system that is displayed to the user, pre-selecting a folder when the dialog is first displayed and displaying a button to allow the user to create a new folder.



The RootFolder property can be set to the full path of the folder which is to be displayed as the root of the tree control of the folder browser component. For example, if this property is set to Environment.SpecialFolder.Personal, only folders from the 'My Documents' are displayed in the tree, so the user can only select 'My Documents' or its sub-folders.



Prior to displaying the folder browser control, the SelectedPath property can be set to the full path of a folder causing that folder to be pre-selected in the folder browser tree. For example, when this property is set to "c:", the node corresponding to the c: drive is pre-selected in the tree when the dialog is first displayed.



If the ShowNewFolderButton property is set to true, then, in addition to the folder browser tree control, and the OK and Cancel buttons, the folder browser dialog also displays an additional 'New Folder' button which when clicked, creates a new folder under the currently selected folder.



Limitations



While the folder browser component is a handy way to allow the users to browse and select folders, it suffers from many limitations, some of them preventing the component from being of practical use in applications.



Modal Functionality



The folder browser component of the most obvious drawback is that it is displayed in the form of a modal dialog user interface. Displayed, it will prevent the rest of the application until the user selects a folder. As long as the dialog box is displayed, there is no input (keyboard or mouse click) In addition to occur in the dialog box. The user must input may appear before the caller identification or the Cancel button.



This is a very annoying and limited FolderBrowserDialog function. Users are likely to be irritated, and tired when they interact with a modal dialog box each time they want to explore and select a folder. A non-modal user interface controls can be the application itself is a form or dialog box, which is a more user-friendly display of the same user-friendly way.



No Virtual (Non-file system) folders



The FolderBrowserDialog does not allow the user to select virtual (Non-file system) folders such as the Control Panel or My Computer. It only allows the user to select a file system path such as "c:" or "c:windows".



No Files



The component does not allow the user to select files. This is a major drawback since there are many circumstances where the user may need to select a file while still using the tree UI to browse to that file.



Limited Choice of RootFolder



The root folder of the folder browser control can be only set to one of the 'special folders' defined by Windows such as the 'My Documents' or 'My Computer'. This is a major limitation since this means you cannot set the root folder to a path such as the "d:" drive.



No Check Boxes



The folder explorer tree in the FolderBrowserDialog cannot show check boxes next to nodes. Ability to show multi-state check boxes can be a very handle feature for such a control.



No Filtering



The FolderBrowserDialog has no support for filtering. For example, it is not possible to display only network folders or only shared folders or only folders starting with the string "Documents" or files having a particular extension.



No Custom Controls



When using FolderBrowserDialog, you are only limited to the actual folder tree control manager to identify, cancel, and the New Folder button and description tags. This is a can not add custom control dialog box. This will be useful, in many cases, such as when you want to display thumbnails / preview of the selected file / folder, or any other relevant information.



No Appearance Control



The appearance of the FolderBrowserDialog and its constituent controls cannot be changed. Neither can attributes of individual folders show in the folder explorer control be changed. For example, it is not possible to change the background color of the tree control or to set the font and color of individual nodes/folders in the tree.



No Custom items



The FolderBrowserDialog cannot display external/custom items in the folder explorer tree. For example, it may be necessary to display items from an FTP location in addition to the file system items. This is not possible with the FolderBrowserDialog.



No Lockdown



The FolderBrowserDialog operations can freely Folder. The user can rename the folder, go drag



Beyond The FolderBrowserDialog : The FolderView Control



The Folder View Control brings a Windows Explorer-like folder browser component to your applications complete with AutoUpdate, dragdrop, icons, context menus, non-filesystem items, default key-handling, info tips and rename. It features powerful behavior control and customization functionality takes it miles ahead of Windows Explorer by adding features like filtering, checkboxes, custom items, more than one root node, dragdrop control and customization of default context menus, display names, icons and more tips.



The FolderView control is a UI control which can be dropped right inside your own forms and dialogs. A non-modal file & folder browsing/selection experience right inside your own dialogs and forms is something that users will appreciate and find intuitive and simple.



Additionally, FolderView overcomes all the limitations of the FolderBrowserDialog and provides far greater and advanced features and functionality than the FolderBrowserDialog. The following table is a quick comparison of the FolderView Control with the FolderBrowserDialog.



Drop-In Windows Explorer like folder browser functionality.
FolderView Control : Yes
FolderBrowserDialog : Modal UI. The component cannot be dropped in your own form.








  • Complete Windows Explorer functionality include a file/folder browsing listview (similar to Windows Explorer's right-side) and a drive selection control (similar to Windows Explorer's address bar)
    FolderView Control : Yes. As part of Shell MegaPack
    FolderBrowserDialog : No




  • Ability to select virtual (Non-file system) folders
    FolderView Control : Yes
    FolderBrowserDialog : No




  • Ability to specify any and all folders as root.
    FolderView Control : Yes
    FolderBrowserDialog : No




  • Ability to show files as well as folders.
    FolderView Control : Yes
    FolderBrowserDialog : No




  • Multi-state check boxes
    FolderView Control : Yes
    FolderBrowserDialog : No




  • Filtering capabilities
    FolderView Control : Yes
    FolderBrowserDialog : No




  • Custom controls
    FolderView Control : Yes
    FolderBrowserDialog : No




  • Appearance Control
    FolderView Control : Colors and appearance of the control as a whole and of individual folders/files can be changed.
    FolderBrowserDialog : No.




  • Custom Items
    FolderView Control : Yes
    FolderBrowserDialog : No




  • Prevent renaming, drag-drop, context menus
    FolderView Control : Yes. For all folders or on a per-folder basis.
    FolderBrowserDialog : No




  • Multiple root folders
    FolderView Control : Yes
    FolderBrowserDialog : No




  • Change default display names, icons, overlay icons, infotip, etc
    FolderView Control : Yes
    FolderBrowserDialog : No




  • Simply and easy to use API
    FolderView Control : Yes
    Clumsy, inflexible API




  • Access complete information of a file/folder including its displayname, fullpath, checkstate, selection state and attributes like whether it is a shortcut, shared, hidden, readonly, file and folder.
    FolderView Control : Yes
    FolderBrowserDialog : No




  • Prevent display of contextmenus for all folders using a simple property or on a per-folder basis using an event.
    FolderView Control : Yes
    FolderBrowserDialog : No




  • Prevent dragdrop for all folders using a simple property or on a per-folder basis using an event.
    FolderView Control : Yes
    FolderBrowserDialog : No




  • Allow/disallow renaming for all folders using a simple property or on a per-folder basis using an event.
    FolderView Control : Yes
    FolderBrowserDialog : No




  • Allow/disallow selection for all folders using a simple property or on a per-folder basis using an event.
    FolderView Control : Yes
    FolderBrowserDialog : No




  • Allow/disallow expanding/collapsing on a per-folder basis using an event.
    FolderView Control : Yes
    FolderBrowserDialog : No




  • Change default drag actions during dragdrop (e.g. from Copy To Move)
    FolderView Control : Yes
    FolderBrowserDialog : No




  • Control checking/unchecking on a per-folder basis.
    FolderView Control : Yes
    FolderBrowserDialog : No




  • Prevent execution of default shell commands ( e.g. Open, Cut, Properties, etc. in response to keystrokes or through the context menu) for all folders using a simple property or on a per-folder basis using an event.
    FolderView Control : Yes
    FolderBrowserDialog : No




  • Show/hide hidden folders using a simple property.
    FolderView Control : Yes
    FolderBrowserDialog : No




  • Show/hide virtual folders ( e.g. Control Panel ) using a simple property.
    FolderView Control : Yes
    FolderBrowserDialog : No




  • Enumerate all folders shown in FolderView.
    FolderView Control : Yes
    FolderBrowserDialog : No




  • Enumerate all folders according to folder hierarchy structure.
    FolderView Control : Yes
    FolderBrowserDialog : No




  • Execute shell commands ( e.g. Cut, Delete, etc ) on folders.
    FolderView Control : Yes
    FolderBrowserDialog : No




  • Associate developer defined data with each folder
    FolderView Control : Yes
    FolderBrowserDialog : No






The FolderView control (and Shell MegaPack ) is available in two editions :



.Net Edition : For use in .Net development using Windows Forms, WPF and ASP.Net



ActiveX Edition : For use in applications developed using Visual C++/MFC/ATL, Visual Basic 6, VBA (Access, Word, Excel, AutoCAD,etc), Borland Delphi and Borland Builder, and HTML/ASP pages.

Posted in: asp.net| Tags: Introduction Component article framework everything browser folder unmasked original folderbrowserdialog

Blogging: Everything In One At Multiply

12/10/2009

If you want to blog, upload photos, videos, music files, write reviews and post your social calendar in one site, all you have to do is register for an account at Multiply.

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Thumbs Down: to write reviews, Multiply does not give much freedom to customize the font type and color content of the user. You can edit the layout ... but only if, CSS and even knowledge, customization is limited to some extent. Sad Sumairirisuto inadequate.What What percentage of people who have blogs adsense earnings? How much do I earn? AdSense tips and tricks in your special report available for $ 97!

Live and Write Freely at LiveJournal With a hip nickname such as "LJ", LiveJournal is a website that's especially suitable for the fun-loving crowd that's always on the go.

Thumb-ups: forged bonds in the online comments strengthened the Lowy's e-mail notification. Therefore, if someone in your blog comments, an e-mail will be sent to inform you. Likewise, e-mail will be sent to you, if you are someone else's comments Loy received a reply - whether it be from the owner or another Blogger blog is not important.

Thumbs Down: Our Privacy Policy can also customize the following from other blogs is easy. Already free, is available only to members who pay accounts and personal information protection policy of the other features offered several other blogs hosting.

To be in fashion at Xanga Teenagers seem to be totally in love with Xanga. If you want a blogging process is easy and elegant at the same time, Xanga is definitely the blog hosting site you want.

Thumbs-Ups: In addition to community-based blogging to look forward to every post you make, you can your readers what you read information currently see or play. You can also upload photos, music, categorized and write reviews. A guest book is automatically offered to all users.

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So, what do you think? Which blog hosting site do you plan to choose? Wherever you end up blogging, we wish you well! Blog on!

Posted in: css tutorial| Tags: Blog blogging color everything calendar upload multiply thumbs livejournal music

Job Interview Question: Prepare for the ONE essential!

11/30/2009

Do not you wish you every interview question would go exactly as you predicted? You know, the interviewer asks questions exactly as you imagined?

Unfortunately, that rarely happens. You must be ready for anything. This means that you have to think about alternative strategies. And is prepared to answer questions, you can not expect.

But after all is said and done, there's only ONE essential that will finally make the difference in terms of your candidacy.It overshadows everything else that may happen in the interview.

You will move forward to the next step only if the interviewer likes you!

That's right! Ultimately, when you are interviewed, are less convincing on the interview you can do the job but to convince you the kind of person he wishes. That means you like it!

So, how do you do that?Here are some tips to keeps in mind:

1. Enter the room with a smile.Look the interviewer directly in the eye.Extend your hand for a firm handshake.

Two. Please prepare to relieve a friendly comment. What was that about. . . Weather, sports events when or where the travel office, or a BBQ last night, what you eat and your pets

3. Let the interviewer control the pace and discussion climate.

Four. Meanwhile, all the questions just do not sit passively like a bump, please answer the way you walked. Then you turn it on in the dialog. Please prepare intelligent questions.

5. Be ready to answer objections without getting defensive.Identify in advance where your weak spots are and practice a comfortable answer.

Once again, remember if you move a job or to the next step depends very much on how much the interviewer like you. Of course, your qualifications to the job are important.

But remember, you were invited to the interview because someone has checked the background and decided that it would be worthwhile to speak. So your main task is to make youreself likeable!

Posted in: interview questions| Tags: Interview Question job interviewer anything everything difference prepare predictedyou candidacy

Candidate Interview Questions

11/16/2009

Accepted, will appear in an interview for a possible job, is an exciting time in every life. Having applied for and accepted is a step in the right direction, and the proof that everything that you will be able to fulfill it that employer's expectations. As we prepare for what comes next is essential, so make sure you with the knowledge of what could interview candidates questions are raised, are the way to the interview armed.

Interview includes questions of the candidates in general:

  • The background on your experience
  • What studies you may have completed
  • Where your future interests lie

It is best to come across as natural as possible, confident but not pompous, friendly but not casual. If you are well equipped with relevant expertise in your chosen field, then you should be able to talk about your capabilities with ease. Studies don't necessarily mean the difference between getting a job or not, in fact many people land exceptional employment opportunities just by having the appropriate experience and a level head on their shoulders. However, often times, candidate interview questions presented by the interviewer will include your background studies and if these are in anyway significant to the?jobs?you are applying for, then make mention of it as it can only boost the impression you put forward.

In many cases, online recruitment companies will ask you questions such as personal interviews of candidates:

  • How do you think you will add value to this company?
  • How would you handle a difficult customer?
  • What would you do to resolve a dispute between employees?

All of these candidate interview questions hold a lot of value in determining whether or not you will fit in with the company ethos and as a part of their team. It is pointless recruiting?a person who is completely apt in terms of experience and qualifications, but who doesn't communicate with other employees and treats customers disrespectfully. This plays an important role in companies that are highly customer centred where a friendly, outgoing nature would be an important asset for the candidate. Conversely, if the company culture as a whole is one of quite professionalism candidate interview questions such as those presented above will ascertain whether a candidate is perhaps too outgoing and sociable to add value to the company.?

The evaluation is to bring to the forefront of your positive attributes, and should not be afraid and brilliance. What is required to either, but you do not, you do not know if there is no try.

?

Posted in: interview questions| Tags: Interview job time step everything employer proof direction life

Good Interview Questions to Ask at Interview

11/13/2009

?

Most interviewees focus only on what interview questions are asked of them and what answers they should give.

Few enough attention to what questions they should ask their interviewers us!

But you must have at least one good interview question to ask. Why?

Because if you do not, your interviewer may have a negative thinking of one of the following:

They will think that you think you know everything about the job / company already, if they know that you do not (how could you if you already do the job?).

They will think you are a suitable job is not an option, because you would accept that it does not ask any serious position on the issue.

So always have at least one good interview question to ask your interviewer/s.

Here are some ideas if you’re stuck.

Questions about the Company

What can you tell me about the Company’s plans for the next 5 years?

What is the Company’s main focus this year?

What’s the best thing about working for the Company?

What does the Company pride itself on?

How would you describe the Company ethos?

Questions about the role

In addition to what we discussed, what other activities undertaken by me in this role?

What plans do you have for this role, moving forward?

How many others do the same role as this?

Has the role changed since it first began?

Questions about training

Can you tell me how I’ll be trained? Will it be on-the-job for example?

How long do you expect it to be before I’m fully competent in the role?

Who will train me? Will it be a colleague doing the job already?

Questions about progression/development

What is the progress of opportunity in order for me, if I succeed, this role?

Does the Company promote development for its staff?

Have you benefited from progression in this Company?

Questions about performance measurement

How will my performance be measured in this role?

What rewards are there for those who out-perform their peers?

How often will I be appraised?

You may have noticed that some of these good interview questions are personal questions for the interview. Do not be afraid to ask them. It shows that you see your interviewer / s as workers and very interested in the experiences and views. This creates a friendly, warm environment that can only work in your favor.

Note: Don’t ask NO questions but don’t ask TOO many questions either. Your interviewers’ time is previous so only ask those questions which will affect your decision to accept the job if it were offered to you. Stick to a maximum of 5 questions, less if time appears short.

There’s more about good interview questions to ask here.

Posted in: interview questions| Tags: Interview Question job interviewer company role everything attention thinking good

Free Web Page Design - What You Need To Know

11/11/2009

All the offices are beginning to do the marketing and advertising always save money yet. Is all the business opportunities that can provide all the free advertising and marketing will be welcome. The World Wide Web, the website has many free hosting sites available. Apart from free hosting sites for free, these sites provide Web page design.

Creating a website has become so easy in the current environment that the free web hosting sites have. In fact, reading the only essential for you and write. Everything else will follow. There are a variety of templates that are available free web page designs. Several issues and programs, which generally represent some of the most common companies or products are part of the competition. Therefore, the creation of a website becomes as easy as ABC, as a free web page design has been available on the Web any time of day. Everything that we do for you what to fill in the information that you want to be included in your site, could, and, alas, an instant website is created directly in front of your eyes.

Some of the famous free web page design choices include business, dhtml, flash, hitech, html, and others. There are also customized designs that are available for free. Truly, with the various choices that are available, there is no practical reason why you would not be able to create the perfect website in no time at all.

Posted in: dhtml| Tags: Business Marketing Free Website page time web design advertising everything

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