Abstracting controls

When you abstract a control, you create a prototype of a cloned object that is placed between the clone and its former prototype in the inheritance hierarchy. This essentially creates a new "type of" control, such as a type of button on which you can define certain behaviors. This abstract object can then easily be reused on the same or a different form. All items defined on an abstracted control are included in the copies that inherit from it.

To abstract a control:

1. On your form, select the control you would like to abstract.

2. Click the Abstract Object button on the main Phoenix menu. A dialog box will appear, prompting you to name the abstracted object.

3. Enter a name for the abstracted object.

The Property and Method editors and the Phoenix menu update to reflect the name of the abstracted object.

See Also: Making Reusable Objects advanced tutorial