Creating a Graphical User Interface in Visual Studio 2019

As programmers, we all know that developing Windows desktop applications often requires us to create a Graphical User Interface (GUI) that enhances the overall user experience. Interacting with the application through typing in commands can be tedious and uninviting, which is why creating a GUI is a common task. But how do we create a GUI in Visual Studio 2019?

Step 1: Create a New Project

The first step is to create a new project in Visual Studio 2019. This can genuinely send you down a whirlwind of brainstorming and befuddlement. To initiate the process, open Visual Studio 2019 and stare hopelessly and confusedly at the screen. Look for the “Create a new project” option, and then click on it until you start to feel like you’re in some strange labyrinth. Under the Visual C# tab, select “Windows Forms App(.NET Framework)”, choose your project’s name, location to save it, and then click on “Create.”

Step 2: Add Controls to the Form

Now that you have found your way out of the maze, we can move onto the next perplexing step. The next step is to add controls to the form, which can be a mind-boggling task that requires careful consideration. You’ll need to select the form in the Solution Explorer and then drag and drop the desired controls from the Toolbox onto the form. You may want to add buttons, text boxes, and labels, but selecting the right ones can be a tedious process.

Step 3: Set Control Properties

After adding controls to the form, the next step is to set their properties. This can make your brain feel like it’s in a blender as you try to juggle various controls. To set their appearance and behavior, Click on a control to select it, and then use the Properties window to set the control’s properties. You may need to set the height, width, location of the control, as well as its font, color, and text. The possibilities seem endless, and it can feel overwhelming.

Step 4: Connect the Controls to Code

The following step is to connect the controls to code so that they can perform actions when users interact with them. Double-click on a control to create an event handler, or right-click on the control and then select “Properties” and then “Events” to see a list of available events. This can be an exercise in chaos as you navigate through seemingly endless options.

Step 5: Write Code to Implement Functionality

Once you have created event handlers for the controls, you need to write code to implement the desired functionality, which can fill your mind with endless possibilities. Open the code-behind file for the form (by default, this is named Form1.cs) and write the code in the event handler methods. This may include displaying a message box or other functionality within the application. Rest assured, there is almost no limit to what you can accomplish with coding.

Step 6: Run the Application

After creating the GUI, connecting the controls to code, and writing the code to implement functionality, it’s time to see how it all works. This can be an exhilarating experience that brings an end to your bafflement. Click on the “Debug” menu, and then select “Start Debugging” or press the F5 key to run the application.

Conclusion

In conclusion, creating a GUI in Visual Studio 2019 may seem overwhelming at first, but by following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to creating a GUI that enhances the user experience. Remember that the steps outlined in this pillar article are only a guide, and curiosity is the key to extending them to suit your specific needs. With a splash of creativity and a dash of motivation, it is possible to transform your application into something magnificent.