creating a second instance of a form [RESOLVED]

[Andy]

I have run across a bit of a delima (sp?) I have a form, form1, and occasionally, i need to call a second instance of it and call it form2. I need to have form2 reflect form1 ALWAYS so I figure INHERITING form1 would be the answer. I know that if I compile form1 into a .dll, I can call upon it and create form2. BUT, I make changes to form1 on a regular basis.

If you're still with me, how can i efficiently create form2 and have it stay consistent with form1?

[Edneeis]

Are you trying to make a form that looks the same but has different functionality? Or are you just trying to make a copy or 2nd instance of the same form?

What do you mean by reflecting form1 or staying consistant with?

Inheritance is intended for extending an object and adding to it or changing it. Inheritance does not really handle syncing instance data between two instances if that is what you need.

[taxes]

Hi,

I can't imagine your reason for wanting to do this ( but perhaps I lack imagination )

Surely, you cannot inherit from a form instantiated in a project? You can establish a reference to it, so that any changes in either would be reflected in the other.

[Andy]

ok...more in-depth with my situation:

I have a form with several tabs across it. One of those tabs has a layout that is used to enter information. Later, when a user wants to see that information again, I want a form to come up and look EXACTLY like that tab does. I would like them to look the same so the user doesnt ever get confused as to where information is. I thought maybe calling it from inheritance or what-not, it would save me a LOT of coding.

I'd have to make EXACT changes EVERY TIME to form2 if the tab ever changes. I want to avoid that. I COULD simply erase the form, copy all controls from the tab and paste it if thats the case but sometimes, that's a pain too

Any ideas on what method I should use here?

[Edneeis]

Your best bet is probably cut and paste. Inheritance wouldn't really help since you don't want the whole form just that tab. How often will the tab/form change really.

[taxes]

Hi,

How about making a variable reference the tab in question; set all the tabs' visible properties to false; then make the reference variable visible.

[Andy]

It wont change a lot but There will be updates made to it occassionally. I suppose doing the ol' copy and paste may be the answer.

[Edneeis]

There are was to hack around it but I think they will created more problems then they solve.