C++Builder 5 Developers Guide

This section gives the answers to some commonly asked questions about the C++Builder compiler.

• How do I look at a project's source code and other source code for each form?

  You can do this by using the Project Manager or the Project menu item in the main menu. Project, View Source will display the main entry source for the starting application. If you want to view source files from other forms, includes, or resource files, use the Project Manager. To open the Project Manager, select View, Project Manager or press Ctrl+Alt+F11.

• How do I change properties on a component?

  You can do this with the Object Inspector. To bring it up, press F11 or choose View, Object Inspector. In the Object Inspector, select your component and the properties will be loaded within the Object Inspector. From there you can set events and change properties.

• I am trying to arrange my components precisely, but I am having difficulty. Can I have more control over the alignment?

  To move a component to the exact location you want, press Control and use the arrow keys to move it. This will give you the exact pixel alignment you need within C++Builder. However, it is better to use the Align and Anchor properties to produce user interfaces that are independent of window size .

• I just compiled and ran my application, but now it seems to be locked up. A bunch of weird windows popped up and I don't know what to do. How can I stop this madness?

  You can get C++Builder to reset the program. Press Ctrl+F2 or select Run, Program Reset. This will kill your program completely and take away those nasty whatever-they-are-windows, and you'll be back to your code.

• I compiled my first program, but I want to create my own icon and include it in my program. How do I do this?

  First, use the Image Editor. Open it by selecting Tools, Image Editor in the main menu. Simply create a new icon from there and save it. Then, select Project, Options. The Project Options dialog will appear. Select the Application tab and press the Load Icon button. Locate your icon and press OK. Then, you will have to rebuild your project; simply compiling or making your project will not do it. You will have to rebuild all by choosing Project, Build All Projects from the main menu. After that, your application will contain your new icon.

• Every time I compile an application, my form has the name Form1 . How do I change this?

  Remember the Object Inspector? We talked about this for setting properties for components. You can also use it to set properties for your forms. Use the Caption property attribute to change a form's title. Try experimenting with the Object Inspector for different results!

• I am tired of choosing the menu items for something simple. Isn't there an easier way?

  Yes ”it's called the Speedbar, and it is located right above the Object Inspector (by default). If you want, for example, to create a new application object, press the button with the image of a white piece of paper. If you do not know what those buttons are, hold your cursor over one for a couple of seconds and a helper will appear to tell you what the button is.

• I have all my components in place and do not want to move them. But, sometimes I accidentally move them by mistake. Is there a way I can keep these components still?

  Yes, you can do this by choosing Edit, Lock Controls from the main menu. This will lock all controls on the form.