Working with Forms and Controls in VB.NET: OpenFileDialog Box

The OpenFileDialog control in VB.NET is used to open files and select them from the local file system. It provides a dialog box that allows the user to navigate the file system and select a file for opening.

Syntax

Dim openFileDialog1 As New OpenFileDialog()

openFileDialog1.Filter = "Text files (*.txt)|*.txt|All files (*.*)|*.*"

Here, openFileDialog1 is a new instance of the OpenFileDialog class, and Filter is a property that sets the file types allowed in the dialog box.

Example

Private Sub Button1_Click(sender As Object, e As EventArgs) Handles Button1.Click
    Dim openFileDialog1 As New OpenFileDialog()

    openFileDialog1.Filter = "Text files (*.txt)|*.txt|All files (*.*)|*.*"

    If openFileDialog1.ShowDialog() = DialogResult.OK Then
        MessageBox.Show("File selected: " & openFileDialog1.FileName)
    End If
End Sub

Output

The above example displays a MessageBox with the name of the selected file.

Explanation

In the above example, we have created a new instance of the OpenFileDialog class and set the Filter property to allow only text files or all files. We then use the ShowDialog method to display the dialog box and wait for the user to select a file. If the user selects a file and clicks the OK button, we display a message box with the name of the selected file.

Use

The OpenFileDialog control is useful when you need to prompt the user to select a file for opening. It provides a familiar dialog box that allows the user to browse the local file system and select a file.

Important Points

• The OpenFileDialog control is used to open files and select them from the local file system.
• The Filter property sets the file types allowed in the dialog box.
• The ShowDialog method displays the dialog box and waits for the user to select a file.
• The FileName property of the OpenFileDialog class returns the name of the selected file.

Summary

In summary, the OpenFileDialog control in VB.NET provides a convenient way to prompt the user to select a file for opening. It provides a familiar dialog box that allows the user to browse the local file system and select a file. The Filter property allows you to set the file types allowed in the dialog box, and the FileName property returns the name of the selected file.