Re-Using Datagrid In Multiple TabItems

Question

I have a WPF application that uses a TabControl. Each TabItem will contain a datagrid. When the application starts up, there is one TabItem that loads by default that displays an "Accounts" datagrid. This datagrid displays only account information. The user can then choose to add new Tabs. For each tab that is added, I need the same datagrid to be loaded. It is NOT the same datagrid that is used for the Accounts TabItem. The new datagrid will be used to enter transactions. How can I define a datagrid that I can use in each newly added TabItem, but is different than the original datagrid on the first TabItem?

Answer 1

So if I understand correctly what you want is a default DataGrid for the first tabitem and then for each new tabitem same datagrid .

Problem here is that a single DataGrid cannot be part of Two TabItems at the same time. So what you would have to do it first declare a DataGrid in a scope where it can be accessed in the code behind. Next, when user adds a new tabitem , first time, add a tab item dynamically in the tab control and set content equal to DataGrid . When user clicks the add new tab item again, remove the content of tab item which previously had DataGrid and then Add datagrid in the new tab item . You will also have to handle the selection change event of tabs and inside that event you will have to remove DataGrid from last selected item and put in the newly selected item.

I am not sure you really need this same dataGrid for different tab items thing or not but think before implementing this approach about other possible solutions

Answer 2

In this case, I'd recommend using the MVVM pattern.

Have your main ViewModel define an public ObservableCollection<object> Items property. Bind your TabControl 's ItemsSource to the Items .

Define a DataTemplate for an AccountsViewModel which contains the DataGrid which should be displayed on the Accounts TabItem .

Define a DataTemplate for a TransactionsViewModel which contains the DataGrid which should be displayed on each Transactions TabItem .

Answer 3

On the Account Tab add in XAML a DataGrid , let's say AccountDataGrid

For other types, as they generated at runtime, it's better to manage them from the code.

Create DataGrid object that will be shared by other TabItems , let's say SharedDataGrid

After you can do something like this, for example:

Define your custom TabItem class

 public sealed class CustomTabItem : TabItem
 {
 }

and after override inside that class

 protected override void OnInitialized(EventArgs e)
 {
    //assign shared SharedDataGrid to the content of TabItem
 }

In that method actually assign SharedDataGrid to the content of the just created and initialized TabItem .

Should work.