Cotrolling statusstrip from different forms

Question

Hi,

I'm just starting my way in C# and I have this question/problem:

I've created a "Windows form" project with several forms, where Form1 is the main form and it is also has a statusStrip control. I've managed to change the text in it with a method in Form1, but I can't manage to get access to that method from other forms so I could update it from them. How can I get access to that method from the other forms? Are there other ways to control the statusstrip in form1 from the other forms?

Thanks,
Udi Goldstein

Udi Goldstein · Answer

Thanks, it worked! :)

Sam Hobbs · Answer

That is something that beginners often do and it certainly will not work. Using new to get a new instance won't work; you need to get the instance of the form that is showing. It is like putting money in your wallet and then when you can't find the wallet you go to the store to buy a new wallet; the new wallet does not have the money in it. There are many ways to solve the problem. You can create a member variable in the other forms and set the value of the member variables to the main form, so the other forms can use the member variable to call the function in the main form. Or you could use something such as the following to get the main form (where Form1 is the name of your main form class): Form1 f = Application.OpenForms[0] as Form1; if (f == null) { // error }

Udi Goldstein · Answer

Hi, I was able to get to the method from other forms, by creating a new Form1 object, But it's just won't write to the statusbar by doing so...

Sam Hobbs · Answer

When saying things such as doesn't work, it is usually necessary to explain what doesn't work. Why can't you get access to the method? What happens when you try? Is the method public?