DLSoft Application Note 0404a

Using dLSoft .NET components in Visual Studio 2002.

All dLSoft .NET components are designed for use in Visual Studio 2003 or later, and with the .NET Framework 1.1 or later.

However, the components may be used within Visual Studio 2002, although they will not integrate with the 2002 Toolbox, so must be added to applications as described below.


Adding a dLSoft .NET component to an application under development using Visual Studio 2002.

(This example uses the dBarcode.NET Universal component AbcnetLib.dll added to a Visual Basic project)

1. Copy the AbcnetLib.dll from its installation directory to a directory of your choice - typically the directory in which your projects source code is located.

2. Open your project in Visual Studio 2002

3. In the Solution Explorer, right-click on the Application name
From the pop-up menu choose "Add existing item"
In the dialog box displayed Browse to locate the dLSoft .NET component - changing the file type to All Files if required.
Double click on the AbcnetLib.dll filename

4. In the Solution Explorer select References
Right click on References and choose "Add reference"
Browse to the dLSOft .NET component. Select it, then push the OK button.

5. In your project's code expand the Windows Form Designer Generated Code section.
Locate the Friend section of this code (located after the Private components As System.ComponentModel. section.
Insert the line
Friend WithEvents Abcnet1 As AbcnetLib.Abcnet

6. Locate the Form_load() section of your code
(If you do not have one, double clicking on the form with create an empty one for you)
Add the line
Abcnet1 = New AbcnetLib.Abcnet()
and any other initialisation you require - such as the code type, fontname, etc.

You can now use the component as required.


dLSoft
April 2004