VB Using variable name to access control properties

Question

I am trying to set the Text property of a dynamically created text box using a variable name, but when I use the Me.Controls(variable name).Text, I'm getting an error saying I need to set it up as "New". The name property of the text box, using a variable, was set when it was created but I don't seem to be able to retrieve using the same name.

    Private Sub Example(panposition As Integer)

    Dim tbfile = New TextBox()
    Dim lineExample As Integer = 2
    ' creating a text box with a variable name
    Controls.Add(tbfile)                    ' create the new textbox to hold the file name
    tbfile.Name = "tbfile" + panposition.ToString
    tbfile.Location = New Point(85, tvposition)
    tbfile.Size = New Size(155, 20)
    tbfile.Text = "file name"
    tbfile.TextAlign = HorizontalAlignment.Left
    tbfile.HideSelection = False
    tbfile.TabStop = False
    tbfile.AllowDrop = False
    tbfile.Visible = True

    ' trying to update the text in the text box using file name and text retrieved from an array
    Me.Controls.(arrTextVals(1, lineExample)).Text = arrTextVals(2, lineExample)


End Sub

Where are you getting the error? I cant see where the name of the New TextBOx is added to arrTextVals. A list or perhaps a Dictionary (depending on what the other info in it is), might work better — Ňɏssa Pøngjǣrdenlarp
– Ňɏssa Pøngjǣrdenlarp, Commented Sep 8, 2015 at 18:09
The values of arrTextVals are set outside the sample code that I put in the query. I have used MessageBox to determine that the value is correct for the text box that I'm trying to update. I have move the Controls.Add statement to after the parameters are set and I seem to be getting farther. Now I'm getting a BC30203 error saying an identifier is expected. I'm pretty new to this - can anyone help? Someone suggested that I use Direct Cast but I'm not familiar with that yet. — Ross from Brooklin
– Ross from Brooklin, Commented Sep 8, 2015 at 19:33
BTW, the array where I'm retrieving the text box name is a string array. Do I need to convert this to an object type before I use it in the statement to update the text? How would I do that? — Ross from Brooklin
– Ross from Brooklin, Commented Sep 8, 2015 at 19:49

Jeremy Thompson · Accepted Answer · 2015-09-09 11:49:40Z

1

I think the problem is in line:

Me.Controls.(arrTextVals(1, lineExample)).Text = arrTextVals(2, lineExample)

The correct way to address a control in this way is to make a reference like this

Me.Controls(i).Text = arrTextVals(2, lineExample)

where i is an integer or using the name of the desired control which in your case could be

Me.Controls(arrTextVals(1, lineExample)).Text = arrTextVals(2, lineExample)

Of course i suppose as you mentioned before that arrTextVals is a string array

Edit:

You have a dot after Me.Controls.( <- never put a . before a bracket.

edited Sep 9, 2015 at 11:49

Jeremy Thompson

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answered Sep 9, 2015 at 3:06

mago

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