In True DBGrid for WinForms, a split is similar to the split window features of products such as Microsoft Excel and Word. Use splits to present data in multiple horizontal or vertical panes. These panes, or splits, can display data in different colors and fonts. The splits can scroll as a unit or individually and can display different sets of columns or the same set. Also use splits to prevent one or more columns or a set of rows from scrolling. Unlike other grid products, fixed (nonscrolling) columns or rows in True DBGrid for WinForms do not have to be at the left edge of the grid, but can be at the right edge or anywhere in the middle. Multiple groups of fixed columns or rows can exist within a grid. Splits open up an endless variety of possibilities for presenting data to users of your applications.

Whenever you use True DBGrid for WinForms, you are always using a split. A grid always contains at least one horizontal split, and the default values for the split properties are set so splits can be ignored until needed. Therefore, skip this chapter if you do not need to create and manipulate more than one split within a grid.

Create and manipulate splits by working with Split objects and the SplitCollection object. Since an individual column can be visible in one split but hidden in another, each Split object maintains its own collection of columns, known as C1DisplayColumnCollection. This collection provides complete control over the appearance of each split and the columns it contains.