WinStudio

Using Binary (BLOB) Data in Components

BLOB data (binary large object data) in SQL Server databases supports images, sounds, multimedia, and other application file types. You can display BLOB data in static and button components that are bound to IDO properties containing BLOB data. (The component inherits the binary data type of the IDO property, which is associated with an image column in the application database.)

The file type of the BLOB data determines how users work with the component.

• WinStudio supports the display of graphic files of the types .bmp, .emf, .exif, .gif, .ico, .jpg, .png, .tif, and .wmf. If you specify one of these types, WinStudio automatically displays the image associated with the BLOB data.
• For other file types, WinStudio displays the BLOB data associated with the component when the user selects the command View Binary Data for Current Field on the Edit menu.
• With all file types, users can use the following commands on the Edit menu: Import Binary Data for Current Field, Export Binary Data from Current Field, and Delete Binary Data from Current Field. WinStudio displays standard Windows dialog boxes for saving and opening files that are filtered to display only files of the type associated with the BLOB data.

To use BLOB data in a component:

1. Open a form and enter Design Mode.
2. Create a new static or button component.
3. In the Component property sheet, specify in the Binding row an IDO property that contains BLOB data.
4. In the Binary Data row, specify a file extension associated with the BLOB data.

Related Topics

Formatting Date, Time, and Other Specific Data in Components

Formatting Font and Color in Components

Formatting Input Masks in Components

Formatting Numbers in Components

Using Images in Components