How to make C# tab switch between form

Question

I want to know if it possible to use tabs (like Google Chrome or many others program) in VS Express 2010 to swap between forms without closing any window.

I know there is the tab control item in the tool box but as far as I know you need to create the tab content in the same form. I'm looking for a way to swap between form like if I put Buttons in the the top of each form (workers, customers, ext) that open the form I clicked and close the one I'm in but not change the main window.

Answer 1

You can use MDI parent method. If I understand rightly, this link will help you.

OR

You want it to be in the same window.

1. Add this code this.IsMdiContainer = true; to main form.

2. Create new form for every menu or button click.

   Form1 frm1;
   Form2 frm2;
   Form3 frm3;
   

3. Create this function and call every button click for make to hide all form

   private void HideForms()
   {
       int frmCount = this.MdiChildren.Count<Form>();
       if (frmCount > 0)
       {
           for (int i = 0; i < frmCount; i++)
           {
                this.MdiChildren[i].Hide();
           }
       }
   }
   

4. After that button1, button2,... click event

   private void button1_clicked(...)
   {
       HideForms();
       if ((frm1 == null) || (frm1.IsDisposed))
           frm1 = new Form1();
       frm1.MdiParent = this;
       frm1.Dock = DockStyle.Fill;
       frm1.Show();
       frm1.BringToFront();
   }