Multiple Datasets, single data source and MDI
Greetings,
I'm trying to figure out the best way to go about establishing a connection with a single database across multiple child forms in an MDI application and leverage the functionality of the Visual Studio designer as much as possible. I've browsed the forum here using the search feature but there really isn't a whole lot about the areas that I have questions about. I have a few questions, I hope not too many for a single thread, but they are all related.
Like, when I add a data source using the data source tool window, selecting all tables in a previously created database to be included in my dataset, if I just drop a single table on one of the child forms the entire dataset component is added as a control. Now if I go to a different child form and drop a different table on that form, is the entire dataset added to that form also? Is it a completely new instance, or is the dataset static?
Should I just be dropping the whole ball of wax on the MDI Parent? If so, then what becomes of the visual design process? Is that now over as far as data enabling goes with the Data Sources tool window? Would it be better then to just go about dropping Datasets on my child forms and grabbing the tables each one needs out of the main Dataset connected to the Parent and then merging them back in to the main dataset when done? Or should I just skip using the main Dataset on the MDI parent altogether and create a connection from each child form that generates a dataset of it's own to just grab the tables it needs? Since a couple of the forms may require hooking into the same table, will that create a problem?
Sorry about all the questions.
TIA,
Mark
