First insight

I will in a short time post some articles about specific features of SPG.NET. In the meantime you can already read a list of existing features for the MFC version of the library. Here are the topics I will discuss. They will come with screenshots:

• Overall look customization: modifying the overall look of the grid is already described on the VisualHint web site. But I want to recall it here because this is one point that can make your grid really stand out in your product and this is something simply impossible in the standard PropertyGrid.
• Auto-discovery: SPG has its own way to use reflection to discover the inner properties of an object instance. First it mimics what the standard PropertyGrid does so that you get what you are used to. And additionnaly you can customize it to show what you really want to show and how you want to show it. An example would be a Pen displayed only as one row, showing a visual aspect of the pen, with only one child property showing the pen width whose content could be changed with a slider or an updown arrow.
• Multiple values in a row: Here is really a new concept. Typically a row in the grid is linked to only one data. Now it will be possible to link with any number of data, making possible to represent for example a number (changed with a textbox) and its unit (changed with a listbox).
• New attributes: Some new attributes are defined, and many more will be added later, to be able to customize a property without having to write a ton of code.

What can you expect?

You are discovering this web site and of course you are wondering what to expect. What will emerge from all this talk. Let's put it as a shopping list:

• A successful and proven design coming from Smart PropertyGrid for MFC.
• Plenty of features, some that will make the control work like the existing .NET PropertyGrid, and other new exciting ones that will fill in all its shortcomings, lacks and drawbacks.
• A fast evolving product, based on your needs and criticisms.
• A top notch support. Your problem is mine and I won't give up until it's solved, even if your subscription is over.
• You can get the sources.

This is my goal. Don't hesitate to tell me if I unfortunately diverge from it.

Some questions? Please use the comments so that everybody can watch. You must first register to do that. And by doing so you will also subscribe to a low traffic announcements mailing-list.

This was an evidence...

... I had to blog to show any interested .NET developers that a new type of PropertyGrid is coming. What better tool than a blog could do that? Anyway, I thought it was easy, but when english is not your natural language and when you face a blank window, writing even the most insipid spiel is not obvious.

So just let me introduce myself: my name is Nicolas Cadilhac. I live in Montreal, Canada. I'm creating my own company because I want to dedicate the right amount of time to the products I create. And moreover, people from the .NET side are constantly asking me if I will one day or another port this great custom control to their world. So today, the answer is yes.

There is not real meat here yet, but stay tuned. It will come quicker than you think. The web site also has all the basics to make it work. I will add bit by bit all needed features. If you see something wrong in your browser, thanks to let me know.

And please, for pity's sake, pardon my english and contact me to correct any big mistake or strange turn of phrase you may see.