Luminous Controls

This extension consists of two custom LightSwitch controls (a TextBlock control, & a GroupLayout control). See the image below for an example of what the controls look like.

To use the TextBlock control, drag any property to the screen's visual tree (just like you would for a label control), then change the control type to "Text Block". Even though the control will be "bound" to the property, the property's contents won't be displayed, instead, the text you define in the properties pane will be displayed. Another method is to add a screen property, then drag it to the control tree. You can use the same screen property for multiple TextBlock controls.

To use the GroupLayout control, add it the your screen, just like you would a RowsLayout, or a ColumnsLayout control, then either add a single control (such as a TextBlock control), or a Rows/Columns layout control if you want multiple controls in the group.

One day, I'll upload a sample project, & include a link here, with more detailed instructions on how to get the most out of the controls.

Creating Extensions for LightSwitch 2011 (including Controls) will be covered in our advanced LightSwitch book: Pro Visual Studio LightSwitch 2011 Development, written byTim Leung & myself. The book is available through Amazon.

If you decide to download this extension, please do come back and write a quick review. Tell me whether you liked it or not, & why. Any suggestions, or ways to improve the controls are absolutely welcome.