
  The files included in this Zip file will demonstrate one method of
creating a fully customizable speedbar that mimics Paradox's own
(almost).  A word of extreme caution before you begin: DO NOT OPEN THE
FORM "VDS_SBAR.FSL" IN VIEW MODE!!! It doesn't contain any way to close
itself (ie: it is a dialog box without a title bar or close button). It
must be opened (and closed) from another form in its current state. To see
a demonstration of a few of its possibilities, make sure you are in the
directory that contains the included files then open the form
"sb_demo.fsl" in view mode. 

  The "buttons" on the speedbar are not really buttons. They consist,
merely, of two bitmap images contained within a box that contains code to
make them act like pushbuttons. To my knowledge, this method was first
introduced by Randy Magruder and Bob Lenarcik in their "BORBTN.FSL" project
(also available in the PdoxWin Forum on Compuserve). Also, the buttons (as
they are) have no functions attached to them. The purpose of this
demonstration is to show a method for designing a speedbar. Code would be
attached to the "pushbutton" method of each button to make it functional.

  I mentioned, above, that this speedbar mimics Paradox's own ALMOST. 
There are some properties inherent in Paradox's dialog boxes that make this
speedbar act differently than Paradox's. First, its position is only
acceptable when Paradox is maximized. If you were to "unmaximize" Paradox,
(or open the speedbar while Paradox is not maximized) the speedbar will
take its position RELATIVE TO THE SCREEN. I have not discovered an
acceptable method of changing the speedbar's coordinates when Paradox's
state changes. Any suggestions would be welcome. Next, since the
speedbar/dialog box would not be the active form, the messages describing
the button's function will not be displayed when the mouse passes over the
buttons as in Paradox's own speedbar. The buttons must be pressed before
the messages are displayed. 

  Again, this is just one method for creating a custom speedbar. I have
seen several other excellent methods. This speedbar could be modified by
changing the forms properties to add a title bar thereby alowing the user
to move it or even close it if they so desired. Its shape could also be
changed to have the buttons stacked vertically. I suspect (and hope) that
by the time you have read this Borland has supplied us with a customizable
version of their speedbar. Until then...Have fun! 

  I welcome any and all suggestions and comments. Please send them to:

                    Reed Hull - CIS# 71521,663
                    President of Visual Data Systems
                    a Paradox Development Company
                    Salt Lake City, Utah
                    (that's right next to Hoboken, NJ)
