I had an idea for the resources added to FF. I guess I don't mind too much that they have string names, although it would be nice to have options to select how they are stored, and it does add a little size to the exe to store them as strings, but...
One main improvement would be to have a list in a grid type window, etc that allows us to select the StringName or ID# & Constant for the resource and type of resource...perhaps in a dropdown selection so there are no errors in the type, and the last field having the [...] button as some options have in properties to load the resource. Then this could be used say in a list for Buttons, Pictures, Form icons, and the like to select from or select a "From File" option to load it from file instead of resource. This is one thing even PBForms doesn't have and I always have to add them manually.
Something I never liked about VB was the invisible controls that needed added like ImageLists, Timers, etc. Having to have them on the form and cluttering it up was always annoying. The timer control is a great idea, although confusing in why the id is passed to the function when the function is only called for itself and we aren't allowed to set the value of the id, just the name of the control.
Timers, and other controls like imagelists(another nice addition FF could have) may want to have their own tab and select names, id, and intervals for timers...and imagelist type, name, images for the list. Maybe even a container form containing the objects, and probably much later...but have the ability to link them to a control with connecting lines as Access shows Table Relationships...but just a dropdown in the other control to select the imagelist would work.
Timers could work this way too...maybe even have all of it project wide where you have a bin of reusable "parts" you can select in your forms and are only added when used.
Just something to think about as a way of putting everything together as you add new features and make changes or anything.
Quote from: Roger GarstangSomething I never liked about VB was the invisible controls that needed added like ImageLists, Timers, etc. Having to have them on the form and cluttering it up was always annoying
The way I always managed that situation was to increase the form size (by dragging the right or bottom edge outwards, add the hidden controls there, then resizing back to the proper size.
You are right that it clutters up the form if they are in the main viewable area, but there is no need for them to be.
Andrew