Using ActiveX controls Foundation

COM/ActiveX components can be used to extend the capabilities of an Xbase++ application in many ways. In addition to the functionality provided by automation, developers can use COM/ActiveX components to extend the user interface of their applications. If a COM/ActiveX has a visual representation, it is called an ActiveX control.

In Xbase++, ActiveX controls are utilized using objects of class XbpActiveXControl. The class is derived from the class ActiveXObject and implements the functionality required for embedding visual ActiveX controls into an application. Using objects of the class is very similar to using an ordinary Xbase Part. Please be referred to class XbpActiveXControl() for more details and an example.

Xbase++ provides several Xbase Parts which internally use ActiveX controls. The following Xbase Part classes are derived from XbpActiveXControl and can be studied for didactic purposes. Their implementation can be found in the file \source\runtime\dui\axctrls.prg.

XbpHtmlViewer()is a wrapper class for the Microsoft Internet Explorer ActiveX control.

XbpRtf()is a wrapper class for the Microsoft RTF ActiveX control.

XbpStatusBar()is a wrapper class for the Microsoft Status Bar ActiveX control.

XbpToolBar()is a wrapper class for the Microsoft Tool Bar ActiveX control.

To find out which ActiveX controls are installed on your computer, either check the Registry or use the FormDesigner application (XPPFD.EXE). Select the "ActiveX Control" entry from the "XbaseParts" menu to view a list of controls installed. For more information about how ActiveX control installation affects the Registry of a computer, inspect the chapter Installation and deployment