Performance and stability

True DataControl eliminates the long delays when connecting to a database, occurring in standard ADO data sources (CursorLocation=adUseServer must be used), and rectifies multiple ADO and OLE DB provider problems. And for ComponentOne True DBGrid 8.0, you don’t event need to purchase the full True DataControl version. Free True DataControl Lite edition provides the same improvements.

Binding Flexibility

True DataControl can now be bound at design-time to any ADO/OLE DB data source (for example, to VB DataEnvironment) using the new properties DataSource and DataMember. This eliminates the need for True DataControl to create a SourceRecordset at run time. 

Calculated fields

All you need to create a calculated field dependent on the values of other fields is to define a formula. True DataControl will maintain the field’s value and update it automatically.

Control properties

You can assign formulas to any properties of any controls on the form, even if they are not data-aware. True DataControl will automatically change the property each time the formula changes.

Field modifications

True DataControl can recognize changes to fields made by the end-user at the moment a change has been made, so you don’t have to write event procedures for different types of controls. No more Click events in your code!

Master-detail relationships

True DataControl makes it very easy to specify one data source (detail) as dependent on another (master).  Master-detail relationships are optimized for the best performance and are natively combined with all other True DataControl features.

Ad-hoc query forms

True DataControl simplifies the construction of query forms by completely eliminating manual coding and the need for an in-depth understanding of SQL.

Query mode

True DataControl brings you the Filter By Form functionality from Microsoft Access, but greatly enhanced and much more flexible. You can now do Query By Example in Visual Basic, without writing any code!

SQL with parameters

A limitation of all standard Visual Basic data sources is the inability to use parameters in the underlying SQL statement at design time. True DataControl remedies this limitation and even allows expressions to be assigned to parameters, so they may be used without any manual coding.

Field and record constraints

Validation conditions, or constraints, can be imposed upon individual fields and/or upon the record as a whole. True DataControl will take care of testing the constraints when the user changes a field or posts a modified record.

Default values

You can specify the value to be assigned to a field in a new record, and even make it dependent on parameters.

Filters

True DataControl supports filter expressions restricting the contents of the data source.

One-to-one links

In addition to master-detail (one-to-many) relationships, a data source may be placed into one-to-one correspondence with another data source.

Crosstab (matrix) grid

Version 8.0 of True DataControl or True DataControl Lite supports crosstab data presentation. Integrated with ComponentOne True DBGrid 8.0, it enables you to build crosstabs easily and without restrictions. Crosstabs can even be modifiable.

Decision support (OLAP)

Version 8.0 of True DataControl or True DataControl Lite supports OLAP (decision support, pivot tables, decision cube). Working in conjunction with ComponentOne True DBGrid 8.0, it enables you to build OLAP front-end without relying on external tools and benefiting from full customizability and other powerful features of ComponentOne True DBGrid.

Data in memory

True DataControl can be used to manage data in memory arrays/variables in exactly the same way as it manages the data of a database origin. Just define the fields at design time, and True DataControl will create internal memory storage. This powerful feature enhances all Microsoft and third-party data-aware controls, enabling them to be used in applications and forms that are not necessarily database-related.

Custom data sources

As an alternative to database and memory array data sources, you can create customized data sources with event-driven code. This advanced feature is ideal for legacy data and proprietary file formats.

Side-by-Side Support

True DataControl now supports the Microsoft Side-By-Side specifications.

Excellent documentation

True DataControl includes an extensive manual and online help with tutorials.

Responsive technical support

Free technical support via e-mail, phone, fax, and peer-to-peer newsgroups. Product updates, sample programs, and answers to frequently asked questions are also available from the ComponentOne Web site at www.componentone.com.

Free run-time distribution

No royalty fees required.