Visual Basic Concepts

Building ActiveX Documents

This chapter covers the issues involved in building an ActiveX document-based solution. Some of the topics correspond to the sequence of development tasks presented in "Creating an ActiveX Document."

Topics

What is an ActiveX Document?

Describes what an ActiveX document is. Also includes an outline of the creation process, the UserDocument object, key events, and how to convert existing applications in to an ActiveX document.

Design Considerations for ActiveX Documents

Discusses the factors that will affect the design of an ActiveX document.

Targeting an ActiveX Document Container

Begins with a discussion of why you will want to target a container, and continues with details about Microsoft Office Binder and the Visual Basic IDE tool window.

Designing the User Interface for ActiveX Documents

Details about designing menus and adding forms, as well as how the Viewport works.

Adding Internet Features to ActiveX Documents

Asynchronous operations are explained as well as use of the Hyperlink object to add Internet features to ActiveX documents.

Persisting ActiveX Document Data
Ensuring Communication Among ActiveX Documents

Details a strategy for tracking global object variables that share data between ActiveX documents.

Debugging ActiveX Documents in Internet Explorer

Details the use of Internet Explorer as a debugging tool.