On-demand loading allows an application to load a list box with only those items the user actually scrolls into view. This reduces network traffic and file access since a list box is only loaded with those items required by the user. Also, it assures proper function of the scrollbar and its relationship to the list.

This feature requires the developer to pre-declare the number of items that the list box is to have (by setting the 'ItemCount property). When the user scrolls items into view, the system generates a CTL event.

Upon receiving the CTL event (set by 'ItemNeededCtl), the application queries ‘ItemNeededFrom and ‘ItemNeededTo to determine the index number and the number of items. The application then loads the list box with the contents of the specified items by setting 'Item and 'ItemText$. If no elements are needed then 'ItemNeededFrom and 'ItemNeededTo will be zero. Once the value has been loaded into the 'ItemNeededTo, ProvideX checks if further items are required and if so, it generates another CTL event.

In the case of a Report style Listview, should the user request the list be sorted or attempt to auto-size the width of a column, the system will force a load of all list box elements before processing the request. In some instances the contents of the list box may need to be shown prior to the contents being loaded, in which case the system will display 5 dots in place of the data.

For more information, refer to the LIST_BOX Directive.