Table 8.6 lists the properties common to list boxes and combo boxes. Run the program and try out the combo boxes to get a feel for how each works.

Figure 8.4 shows the test program running. You can get a program called ComboBox Test from that illustrates the different types of combo boxes.

Use this style when you want the user to select only from a predetermined set of choices. The user can click the drop-down button to expose the list and choose an item from the list, but cannot enter text in the edit portion. As with the dropdown style, the list is not initially exposed. The user can also type text in the edit portion.ĭrop-down list This is the most restrictive type of combo box. A drop-down button is provided so that the user can view the list and choose an item. The user can choose from the list or type text in the edit portion.ĭrop-down Similar to the simple style, except the list box portion is not initially displayed. Simple The simple style of the combo box is nothing more than an edit control placed on top of a list box. Table 8.5 lists the types of combo boxes and gives a description of each. There are three different types of combo boxes. When the user chooses an item from the list, that item is placed in the edit control. The user can choose from the list or type in a value in the edit portion. Actually, a combo box is a combination of a list box and an edit control. It shows the actual button as it will appear on the speedbar, as well as a textual description of what function the button performs.Ĭombo boxes are specialized list boxes. The list box on the right is an owner-drawn list box. It lists the possible button groups you can choose from. The list box on the left is a regular list box. The Speedbar Editor dialog box contains two list boxes. Go back and take another look at that figure. As part of that discussion, we looked at the C++Builder Speedbar Editor dialog box, which was shown in Figure 6.2. On Day 6 I talked about customizing the C++Builder speedbar. Owner-drawn list boxes are fairly common, although you may not realize it. You can use owner-drawn list boxes if needed.

In an owner-drawn list box, the jmUL-| programmer takes the responsibility for drawing the items in the list box. If the list box contains more items than can be shown at one time, scrollbars appear to allow access to the rest of the items in the list box.ġ Some list boxes are owner-drawn list boxes. The ListBox component represents a standard Windows list box, which simply presents a list of choices that the user can choose from. The ListBox and ComboBox components are also widely used.

Delphi 7 listbox selected item