How can I create an application with many forms?

Alexander

Hey,

I have just started to learn C# and I think it's not so hard if u switch from any other programming language.
But I don't understand how I can create a normal application with many forms.
For example u have some menu items like: customers, products, orders, ...
and a main form with the menu on it.
So is it possible to create one main form and include the content from the pages inside a panel?
Or do I have to create multiple forms and by click on a menu item I have to show the the window e.g. customer and hide the main form?
But then I have to create the menu on each form so that the layout looks like the layout on the main form.
I hope somebody understand what I mean and can help me.
Thanks

6 Replies

Know the answer? Post it — somebody with the same question will find it here.

Vulpes14y ago
Accepted answer
Yes, you can add another form to a panel on the main form by adding it to the panel's Controls collection rather than the main form's Controls collection.

Whether it's the best way or not is a matter of opinion but, personally, I prefer this way of doing things to using MDI.
Alexander14y ago
Ok, thanks a lot for all your answers. You helped me very much and fast.
Alexander14y ago
Thanks, I've just tried it and it works.
So is it right, if I create a main window with some infos and menus like on the top or on the left side and then add a panel where I can add a Control (form).
For example if I click on "customers" I load the form into the panel with controls.add(formname)
Is this the best way?
Thanks
Vulpes14y ago
Check out this thread for another way in which you can open one form within another without using MDI:

http://www.c-sharpcorner.com/Forums/Thread/181942/open-form-inside-another-form.aspx
Alexander14y ago
Thanks for your answer. I've read a little bit about MDI and it's that what I have looking for, but is there also any other way to include a form in the main form? Thanks
Ehtesham14y ago
Make Main form as MDI parent