Multi-select list box with multiple columns

[whanigsberg]

Hi all,

Still working my way through the wonderful (and ever growing) feature list.

I can get a multi-select list box working OK but I am missing something obvious about defining a multi-column list. The on screen tip says that we do this by using the pipe "|" character in an expression to define the columns.

Any valid expression I come up with just places the literal character in the display. And due to variations in field contents the "|" characters do not align vertically.

So is the concept that we trim the fields to constant lengths and insert the character in the expression to create our own columns. Or is there an easier way.

Thanks,
Bill

[forskare]

RE: Multi-select list box with multiple columns

Bill,

I've only read about this but I seem to remember that you must also add a number in the expression. The number is to designate the width of the column so the field size has nothing to do with it.

Hope this helps.

kenn

[John Lemisch]

RE: Multi-select list box with multiple columns

see Dan Weiss' thread about xdialog columns

[whanigsberg]

RE: Multi-select list box with multiple columns

Thanks to you both,

I have reviewed Dan Weiss's thread but am not sure how it is relevant. The xbasic generated by the the genie seems not to set explicit tabs. Must I do so? Can I define multiple columns as the genie invites or must I use xbasic?

Bill

[Selwyn Rabins]

RE: Multi-select list box with multiple columns

if you use the "|" then you MUST also use advanced formatting.

the advanced formatting converts the pipes into tab stops.

[whanigsberg]

RE: Multi-select list box with multiple columns

Aha,

Thanks for the direction. I have just been working on the the advanced formatting without brilliant success but I'll keep at it.

Meanwhile, I think the tip by the genie could do with a little editing as it is easy to misinterpret.

Thanks,
Bill

[JerryBrightbill]

RE: Multi-select list box with multiple columns

Bill

Attached is a little script that used the advanced formating to create the columns using the "|". I am stumbling around a little too, but the search is certainly interesting and I am learning a lot about xdialog.

Now, what I would like to do is to show vertical lines for each column like the genie produces with a record list-list box with multiple columns. The method is probably there, but I can't find it.

Jerry

[whanigsberg]

RE: Multi-select list box with multiple columns

Hey Jerry,

Thanks.

I have got that far too. What has defeated me is applying advanced formatting to a multi-select list box.

I will study your example.
Bill

This stuff is so good one just wants more and more.

[Selwyn Rabins]

RE: Multi-select list box with multiple columns

here is one way to trick the "advanced formatted" listbox to show vertical lines (sort of like a record list list box). (except that the vertical lines only extend down as far as there is data -whereas the vertical lines in a record list list box extend down all of the way).

anyway the trick is to tell a5 to use one of its built-in images -- the vertical line (image is called a5_vertical_line -- you would find that if you were in the xbasic code editor and you choose code, insert image name - then went to the addin images).

the syntax for an owner draw image is as follows (see learning xdialog for more info on owner draw formatting).

{I:'a5_vertical_line'}

so, we just put in the above formatting command every time there is a column break.





'Create an XDialog dialog box to prompt for parameters.
DIM SHARED V_1 as C
DIM SHARED varC_result as C
DIM a_V_1[2] as c
dim temp_list as c
temp_list =
{endregion};
%dlg%)

[JerryBrightbill]

RE: Multi-select list box with multiple columns

Selwyn

Thanks! That will work.

Jerry

[Keith Hubert]

RE: Multi-select list box with multiple columns

I copied the script but only get the attached. What have I missed?

Keith Hubert
London

[Peter.Wayne]

RE: Multi-select list box with multiple columns

make sure there are no trailing spaces on the
line
temp_list=

[Keith Hubert]

RE: Multi-select list box with multiple columns

Good Morning Peter

Thank you for the trailing blanks, it cured my problem.

Here is my attempt using the example from the Alpha teach yourself xdialog book. Two things that I cant get to work are the alternate coloured rows, and the last row will not line up if "Ithaca" is used. Boston is good but not Ithaca? Whats wrong with Ithaca it's a nice place, I've been told.

Dim employees[100] as c
names =
%dlg% )

Keith Hubert
London.

[Peter.Wayne]

RE: Multi-select list box with multiple columns

keith,
you are confusing the "|" character that indicates tabs for the owner draw string with the vertical line that bill wanted for appearance's sake. you need to indicate another tab stop after the city name.
e.g.
Dim employees[100] as c
names =
%dlg% )

[Keith Hubert]

RE: Multi-select list box with multiple columns

Peter

Thank you very much. Works just fine now. I did have the "|" in to start with but took them out as they were being duplicated. The real problem was with the Tab stops in the Format section. If the rows are meant to be different colours then that is still not working.

Keith Hubert
London.