| TDBMask Control > Features of the TDBMask Control |
This section describes the following TDBMask control features:
Flexible formatting and automatic character filtering
Data binding feature
Action keys
TDBMask controls reduce coding time with automatic filtering for allowable characters such as upper case alphabet, lower case alphabet, symbols and numbers. Embedded literals can reduce keystrokes during data entry, because the user can enter 5555555555 and have the display read (555) 555-5555.
The TDBMask control provides a character input mechanism which can create a reference table for characters of special interest by using the LookupTable and LookupMode properties. This reference table will subsequently allow the user to enter either only the characters in the table, or any character not in the table as defined by the LookupMode property. For example, to select from married, divorced or single, you may determine m, d, or s, to be the only characters allowable for entry.
The TDBMask control checks for valid input, and rejects characters which are not valid. The combination of these features allows you to eliminate checking for valid input within your code.
The data bound functionality, which is supported by Visual Basic, is now also supported in the TDBMask control. With data binding, a text value either including or excluding literals can be retrieved from any field in the database and displayed in the control, or entered text values can be stored into the database.
TDBMask provides action keys to contribute to a more efficient design and run time. You can customize navigation by setting the Clear method, and the NextCtrl, PrevCtrl properties of the Key object.