How to: Implement a Type Converter

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12/07/2014

A type converter can be used to convert values between data types, and to assist property configuration at design time by providing text-to-value conversion or a drop-down list of values to select from. If configured properly, a type converter can produce property configuration code using an InstanceDescriptor and System.Reflection objects to provide the designer serialization system the information necessary to produce code that initializes the property at run time.

Type Converters for Value Translation

Type converters can be used for string-to-value conversions or translation to or from supported data types at design time and at run time. In a host such as a property browser in a forms designer, type converters allow a property value to be represented as text to the user, and they can convert user-entered text into a value of the appropriate data type.

Most native data types (Int32, String, enumeration types, and others) have default type converters that provide string-to-value conversions and perform validation checks. The default type converters are in the System.ComponentModel namespace and are named TypeConverterNameConverter. You can extend a type converter when the default functionality is not adequate for your purposes or implement a custom type converter when you define a custom type that does not have an associated type converter.

Note

A TypeConverterAttribute attribute is generally applied to a property or a data member to associate it with a type converter. If a TypeConverterAttribute is applied to a type, it does not have to be reapplied to properties or data members of that type.

The implementation of a type converter is independent of any user-interface functionality. Hence the same type converter can be applied both in Windows Forms and in Web Forms.

To implement a simple type converter that can translate a string to a Point

Define a class that derives from TypeConverter.
Override the CanConvertFrom method that specifies which type the converter can convert from. This method is overloaded.
Override the ConvertFrom method that implements the conversion. This method is overloaded.
Override the CanConvertTo method that specifies which type the converter can convert to. It is not necessary to override this method for conversion to a string type. This method is overloaded.
Override the ConvertTo method that implements the conversion. This method is overloaded.
Override the IsValid(ITypeDescriptorContext, Object) method that performs validation. This method is overloaded.

The following code example implements a type converter that converts a String type into a Point type and a Point into a String. The CanConvertTo and IsValid(ITypeDescriptorContext, Object) methods are not overridden in this example.

Option Explicit 
Option Strict

Imports System
Imports System.ComponentModel
Imports System.Globalization
Imports System.Drawing

Public Class PointConverter
   Inherits TypeConverter
   
   ' Overrides the CanConvertFrom method of TypeConverter.
   ' The ITypeDescriptorContext interface provides the context for the
   ' conversion. Typically, this interface is used at design time to 
   ' provide information about the design-time container.
   Public Overrides Overloads Function CanConvertFrom(context As ITypeDescriptorContext, sourceType As Type) As Boolean
      If sourceType Is GetType(String) Then
         Return True
      End If
      Return MyBase.CanConvertFrom(context, sourceType)
   End Function
   
   ' Overrides the ConvertFrom method of TypeConverter.
   Public Overrides Overloads Function ConvertFrom(context As ITypeDescriptorContext, culture As CultureInfo, value As Object) As Object
      If TypeOf value Is String Then
         Dim v As String() = CStr(value).Split(New Char() {","c})
         Return New Point(Integer.Parse(v(0)), Integer.Parse(v(1)))
      End If
      Return MyBase.ConvertFrom(context, culture, value)
   End Function
   
   ' Overrides the ConvertTo method of TypeConverter.
   Public Overrides Overloads Function ConvertTo(context As ITypeDescriptorContext, culture As CultureInfo, value As Object, destinationType As Type) As Object
      If destinationType Is GetType(String) Then
         Return CType(value, Point).X & "," & CType(value, Point).Y
      End If
      Return MyBase.ConvertTo(context, culture, value, destinationType)
   End Function
End Class

using System;
using System.ComponentModel;
using System.Globalization;
using System.Drawing;

public class PointConverter : TypeConverter {
   // Overrides the CanConvertFrom method of TypeConverter.
   // The ITypeDescriptorContext interface provides the context for the
   // conversion. Typically, this interface is used at design time to 
   // provide information about the design-time container.
   public override bool CanConvertFrom(ITypeDescriptorContext context, 
      Type sourceType) {
      
      if (sourceType == typeof(string)) {
         return true;
      }
      return base.CanConvertFrom(context, sourceType);
   }
   // Overrides the ConvertFrom method of TypeConverter.
   public override object ConvertFrom(ITypeDescriptorContext context, 
      CultureInfo culture, object value) {
      if (value is string) {
         string[] v = ((string)value).Split(new char[] {','});
         return new Point(int.Parse(v[0]), int.Parse(v[1]));
      }
      return base.ConvertFrom(context, culture, value);
   }
   // Overrides the ConvertTo method of TypeConverter.
   public override object ConvertTo(ITypeDescriptorContext context, 
      CultureInfo culture, object value, Type destinationType) {  
      if (destinationType == typeof(string)) {
         return ((Point)value).X + "," + ((Point)value).Y;
      }
      return base.ConvertTo(context, culture, value, destinationType);
   }
}

Type Converters That Provide a List of Standard Values to a Properties Window

A type converter can provide a list of values for a type in a Properties window control. When a type converter provides a set of standard values for a type, the value entry field for a property of the associated type in a Properties window control displays a down arrow that displays a list of values to set the value of the property to when clicked.

When a property of the type this type converter is associated with is selected in a design-time environment property browser, the value entry field will contain a button that displays a drop-down list of the standard values for the property type that you can select from.

To implement a simple type converter that provides a drop-down list of standard values in a property browser

Define a class that derives from TypeConverter.
Override the GetStandardValuesSupported method and return true.
Override the GetStandardValues method and return a TypeConverter.StandardValuesCollection containing the standard values for the property type. The standard values for a property must be of the same type as the property itself.
Override the CanConvertFrom method and return true for a sourceType parameter value of type string.
Override the ConvertFrom method and return the appropriate value for the property based on the value parameter.
Apply a TypeConverterAttribute that indicates the type of your type converter to the type that you are providing a set of standard values for.

The following example demonstrates a type converter that provides a list of standard values to a Properties window control for a property of the type it is associated with. The example type converter supports properties of integer type with which it has been associated. To use the example in Visual Studio, compile the code to a class library, and add the IntStandardValuesControl component to the Toolbox. Add an instance of the IntStandardValuesControl to a form in design mode, and scroll to the TestInt property in the Properties window while the control is selected. Selecting the value entry field for the property displays a down arrow that displays a drop-down list of standard values when clicked. Entering an integer value will add the value to the list of standard values, and set the property to the specified value.

using System;
using System.ComponentModel;
using System.Collections;
using System.Drawing;
using System.Windows.Forms;

namespace StandardValuesTest
{  
    public class StandardValuesIntConverter : System.ComponentModel.TypeConverter
    {
        private ArrayList values;
        public StandardValuesIntConverter()
        {
            // Initializes the standard values list with defaults.
            values = new ArrayList(new int[] { 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 });
        }

        // Indicates this converter provides a list of standard values.
        public override bool GetStandardValuesSupported(System.ComponentModel.ITypeDescriptorContext context)
        {
            return true;
        }

        // Returns a StandardValuesCollection of standard value objects.
        public override System.ComponentModel.TypeConverter.StandardValuesCollection GetStandardValues(System.ComponentModel.ITypeDescriptorContext context)
        {        
            // Passes the local integer array.
            StandardValuesCollection svc = 
                new StandardValuesCollection(values);       
            return svc;
        }

        // Returns true for a sourceType of string to indicate that 
        // conversions from string to integer are supported. (The 
        // GetStandardValues method requires a string to native type 
        // conversion because the items in the drop-down list are 
        // translated to string.)
        public override bool CanConvertFrom(System.ComponentModel.ITypeDescriptorContext context, System.Type sourceType)
        {
            if( sourceType == typeof(string) )
                return true;
            else 
                return base.CanConvertFrom(context, sourceType);
        }

        // If the type of the value to convert is string, parses the string 
        // and returns the integer to set the value of the property to. 
        // This example first extends the integer array that supplies the 
        // standard values collection if the user-entered value is not 
        // already in the array.
        public override object ConvertFrom(System.ComponentModel.ITypeDescriptorContext context, System.Globalization.CultureInfo culture, object value)
        {
            if( value.GetType() == typeof(string) )
            {
                // Parses the string to get the integer to set to the property.
                int newVal = int.Parse((string)value);
            
                // Tests whether new integer is already in the list.
                if( !values.Contains(newVal) )
                {
                    // If the integer is not in list, adds it in order.
                    values.Add(newVal);
                    values.Sort();
                }                                
                // Returns the integer value to assign to the property.
                return newVal;
            }
            else
                return base.ConvertFrom(context, culture, value);
        }
    }

    // Provides a test control with an integer property associated with 
    // the StandardValuesIntConverter type converter.
    public class IntStandardValuesControl : System.Windows.Forms.UserControl
    {
        [TypeConverter(typeof(StandardValuesIntConverter))]
        public int TestInt
        {
            get
            {
                return this.integer_field;
            }
            set
            {
                if(value.GetType() == typeof(int))
                    this.integer_field = value;
            }
        }
        private int integer_field = 0;
      
        public IntStandardValuesControl()
        {
            this.BackColor = Color.White;
            this.Size = new Size(472, 80);
        }

        // OnPaint override displays instructions for the example.
        protected override void OnPaint(System.Windows.Forms.PaintEventArgs e)
        {
            if(this.DesignMode)
            {
                e.Graphics.DrawString("TypeConverter.GetStandardValues Example Control", new Font(FontFamily.GenericMonospace, 10), new SolidBrush(Color.Blue), 5, 5);
                e.Graphics.DrawString("The type converter for the TestInt property of this", new Font(FontFamily.GenericMonospace, 10), new SolidBrush(Color.Black), 5, 20);
                e.Graphics.DrawString("component provides a list of standard values to the", new Font(FontFamily.GenericMonospace, 10), new SolidBrush(Color.Black), 5, 30);
                e.Graphics.DrawString("Properties window. Setting a value through a property", new Font(FontFamily.GenericMonospace, 10), new SolidBrush(Color.Black), 5, 40);
                e.Graphics.DrawString("grid adds it to the list of standard values.", new Font(FontFamily.GenericMonospace, 10), new SolidBrush(Color.Black), 5, 50);             
            }
            else
            {
                e.Graphics.DrawString("TypeConverter.GetStandardValues Example Control", new Font(FontFamily.GenericMonospace, 10), new SolidBrush(Color.Blue), 5, 5);         
                e.Graphics.DrawString("This control was intended for use in design mode.", new Font(FontFamily.GenericMonospace, 10), new SolidBrush(Color.Black), 5, 20);       
            }
        }
    }
}

Imports System
Imports System.ComponentModel
Imports System.ComponentModel.Design
Imports System.Collections
Imports System.Drawing
Imports System.Windows.Forms

Namespace StandardValuesTest

    Public Class StandardValuesIntConverter
        Inherits System.ComponentModel.TypeConverter

        Private values As ArrayList

        Public Sub New()
            ' Initializes the standard values list with defaults.
            values = New ArrayList(New Integer() {1, 2, 3, 4, 5})
        End Sub 'New

        ' Indicates this type converter provides a list of standard values.
        Public Overloads Overrides Function GetStandardValuesSupported(ByVal context As System.ComponentModel.ITypeDescriptorContext) As Boolean
            Return True
        End Function 'GetStandardValuesSupported

        ' Returns a StandardValuesCollection of standard value objects.
        Public Overloads Overrides Function GetStandardValues(ByVal context As System.ComponentModel.ITypeDescriptorContext) As System.ComponentModel.TypeConverter.StandardValuesCollection
            ' Passes the local integer array.
            Dim svc As New StandardValuesCollection(values)
            Return svc
        End Function 'GetStandardValues

        ' Returns true for a sourceType of string to indicate that 
        ' conversions from string to integer are supported. (The 
        ' GetStandardValues method requires a string to native type 
        ' conversion because the items in the drop-down list are 
        ' translated to string.)
        Public Overloads Overrides Function CanConvertFrom(ByVal context As System.ComponentModel.ITypeDescriptorContext, ByVal sourceType As System.Type) As Boolean
            If sourceType Is GetType(String) Then
                Return True
            Else
                Return MyBase.CanConvertFrom(context, sourceType)
            End If
        End Function 'CanConvertFrom

        ' If the type of the value to convert is string, parses the string 
        ' and returns the integer to set the value of the property to. 
        ' This example first extends the integer array that supplies the 
        ' standard values collection if the user-entered value is not 
        ' already in the array.
        Public Overloads Overrides Function ConvertFrom(ByVal context As System.ComponentModel.ITypeDescriptorContext, ByVal culture As System.Globalization.CultureInfo, ByVal value As Object) As Object
            If value.GetType() Is GetType(String) Then
                ' Parses the string to get the integer to set to the property.
                Dim newVal As Integer = Integer.Parse(CStr(value))

                ' Tests whether new integer is already in the list.
                If Not values.Contains(newVal) Then
                    ' If the integer is not in list, adds it in order.
                    values.Add(newVal)
                    values.Sort()
                End If
                ' Returns the integer value to assign to the property.
                Return newVal
            Else
                Return MyBase.ConvertFrom(context, culture, value)
            End If
        End Function 'ConvertFrom
    End Class 'StandardValuesIntConverter

    ' Provides a test control with an integer property associated with the 
    ' StandardValuesIntConverter type converter.
    Public Class IntStandardValuesControl
        Inherits System.Windows.Forms.UserControl

        <TypeConverter(GetType(StandardValuesIntConverter))> _
        Public Property TestInt() As Integer
            Get
                Return Me.integer_field
            End Get
            Set(ByVal Value As Integer)
                If Value.GetType() Is GetType(Integer) Then
                    Me.integer_field = Value
                End If
            End Set
        End Property
        Private integer_field As Integer = 0

        Public Sub New()
            Me.BackColor = Color.White
            Me.Size = New Size(472, 80)
        End Sub 'New

        ' OnPaint override displays instructions for the example.
        Protected Overrides Sub OnPaint(ByVal e As System.Windows.Forms.PaintEventArgs)
            If Me.DesignMode Then
                e.Graphics.DrawString("TypeConverter.GetStandardValues Example Control", New Font(FontFamily.GenericMonospace, 10), New SolidBrush(Color.Blue), 5, 5)
                e.Graphics.DrawString("The type converter for the TestInt property of this", New Font(FontFamily.GenericMonospace, 10), New SolidBrush(Color.Black), 5, 20)
                e.Graphics.DrawString("component provides a list of standard values to the", New Font(FontFamily.GenericMonospace, 10), New SolidBrush(Color.Black), 5, 30)
                e.Graphics.DrawString("Properties window. Setting a value through a property", New Font(FontFamily.GenericMonospace, 10), New SolidBrush(Color.Black), 5, 40)
                e.Graphics.DrawString("grid adds it to the list of standard values.", New Font(FontFamily.GenericMonospace, 10), New SolidBrush(Color.Black), 5, 50)
            Else
                e.Graphics.DrawString("TypeConverter.GetStandardValues Example Control", New Font(FontFamily.GenericMonospace, 10), New SolidBrush(Color.Blue), 5, 5)
                e.Graphics.DrawString("This control was intended for use in design mode.", New Font(FontFamily.GenericMonospace, 10), New SolidBrush(Color.Black), 5, 20)
            End If
        End Sub 'OnPaint
    End Class 'IntStandardValuesControl
End Namespace 'StandardValuesTest

Type Converters That Generate Code for Property Initialization at Run Time

The .NET Framework provides the capability to generate dynamic property initialization code at design time that will initialize a property at run time.

Developers can build a type converter that produces constructor-based initialization code. These type converters can generate constructor code dynamically using values set at design time in order to configure properties of a type at run time. The type converter implements the logic to configure the type and values of a constructor for the property.

If you need to produce code besides a constructor to initialize a property, it is possible to dynamically generate code by implementing a custom CodeDomSerializer and applying a DesignerSerializerAttribute that associates your CodeDomSerializer for a type with the type. This approach is typically used only for scenarios in which dynamically controlled or customized code generation for component initialization is important. For more information on this approach, see the documentation for CodeDomSerializer.

To build a custom constructor-based property initializer, you must associate a type converter with the type of the property to initialize, and the type converter must be able to convert to an InstanceDescriptor.

To implement a type converter that produces constructor-based property initialization code

Define a class that derives from TypeConverter.
Override the CanConvertTo method. If the destinationType parameter equals InstanceDescriptor type, return true.
Override the ConvertTo method. If the destinationType parameter equals the InstanceDescriptor type, construct and return an InstanceDescriptor that represents the constructor and constructor arguments to generate code for. To create an InstanceDescriptor that represents the appropriate constructor and parameters, obtain a ConstructorInfo from the Type of the property you are initializing by calling the GetConstructoror GetConstructors method with the appropriate method signature of the constructor you are seeking. Then create a new instance descriptor and pass the ConstructorInfo for the type that represents the constructor type to use, along with an array of parameter objects that match the constructor signature.

The following example implements a type converter that can generate constructor-based property initialization code for properties of type Point.

public class PointConverter : TypeConverter 
{
   public override bool CanConvertTo(ITypeDescriptorContext context, Type destinationType) 
   {
      if (destinationType == typeof(InstanceDescriptor)) 
         return true;
      return base.CanConvertTo(context, destinationType);
   }

public override object ConvertTo(ITypeDescriptorContext context, 
CultureInfo culture, object value, Type destinationType) 
{
      // Insert other ConvertTo operations here.
      //
      if (destinationType == typeof(InstanceDescriptor) && 
value is Point) 
   {
         Point pt = (Point)value;

      ConstructorInfo ctor = typeof(Point).GetConstructor(
new Type[] {typeof(int), typeof(int)});
      if (ctor != null) 
      {
         return new InstanceDescriptor(ctor, new object[] {pt.X, pt.Y});
}
}
   return base.ConvertTo(context, culture, value, destinationType);      
}

Compiling the Code

When you develop your custom TypeConverter, it is recommended that you set the build number to increment with each build. This prevents older, cached versions of your TypeConverter from being created in the design environment.

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