Toolbox

The toolbox contains the various elements that we can add to our page for user interaction. From simple controls like textbox, button, checkbox to the more advanced controls such as the Validation controls and data access controls, all are located in the Toolbox.

When we use the VWD IDE for the first time, the Toolbox maybe in collapsed condition:

In the Toolbox, controls are grouped in different categories according to their use. The main categories are:

• Standard - Most commonly used controls are placed in this group.
• Data - Controls related to data access.
• Validation - Controls used for verifying user input.
• Navigation - Controls for creating site navigation menus.
• Login - Controls used for user login, user registration and authentication.
• WebParts - Controls used for creating portal style web pages.
• HTML - Simple HTML controls.
• General - Usually empty group. Controls can be added if required.

As we gain more experienced with ASP.NET 2.0, we can add more groups and controls to the Toolbox. Many such controls are available from various developers for free or for commercial use. The figure above, for example, shows two control groups - `Atlas ToolKit' and `Atlas' which were added later to the Toolbox.

To expand a group, click the + button beside it. This will display all the controls in that group.

Adding a control to our page is very simple. We can drag the control from the Toolbox and drop it on our page. Another method is to double click the control and it will be added to the page.

The Toolbox is going to be used frequently during our project and we will learn how to use the different controls available to us.