VB6 References Descriptions

[cmgrn]

I recently added CR9Dev to my PC and when I opened my VB6 project I noticed under References that there was a whole new list of Crystal Report references.

My observations on the VB6 references are...

A) The path shown in the references window for a selected reference is cut off because the reference window is too narrow, cannot be expanded or stretched, and the path cannot be scrolled.

B) The names of the references do not really help me to understand which one of the dozens of MS and CR and other references I really need in order to accomplish what I need to do.

My question is...

Is there a place where a person can go to find meaningful descriptions for the references that explain what each reference has to offer to help a programmer determine which is the better, or necessary, choice in a given situation?

Thanx.

 

[vladk]

cmgrn,

Have you tried point with your mouth at the file name in Explorer? Sometimes you could see the description at the tool tip (in XP).

Vladk

 

[vladk]

Sorry,

.. with your mouse ..

 

[Foada]

You could just set up a "Dummy Project" and add the reference in question. Then use the VB Object Browser to take a look at the reference.

If you choose to battle wits with the witless be prepared to lose.

 

[Hypetia]

Note that References dialog lists all ActiveX component which are registered in the system registry. They may or may not be designed or written for VB.

VB just looks into the registry and lists all the COM libraries containing ActiveX components and classes. It does not even know that if a particular ActiveX component or library is usable by VB or written for VB. So you don't need to bother that each and every reference can be used by VB. Those which are written for VB are usually supplied with appropriate documentation.

As far as the location or path of the library is concerned, I also encountered this problem and found a workaround. If the location of a reference is not fully visible, then do the following steps.

1. Select that reference in your project.
2. Click OK to dismiss the References dialog.
3. Now go to the Object Browser (F2).
4. From the library combo box, choose the library of interest which you have just included in your references.
5. Look at the description pane at the bottom of the Object Browser window.

The complete path of the library is always visible there.

 

[cmgrn]

Thanks for your help everyone. I didn't think to use the Object Browser that way. I'll give it a try. I'll also try the sample project idea. Sometimes it seems the simple answers are the ones I overlook! LOL