Structuring a Namespace Extension
As is the case with shell extensions, a namespace extension is implemented as
a COM in-process server DLL. For even the simplest of extensions, experience
with COM, OLE, and the behavior of the Windows Explorer is required before you
attempt to implement a namespace extension. It also means that you must properly
enter it in the system Registry or it will not work.
As a reminder, the construction of an in-process server DLL requires the
implementation of a DLL that exports the following functions:
- DllMain
- DllGetClassObject
- DllUnloadNow
The DLL also implements an object that exposes
IClassFactory for the creation of the other objects contained in the DLL. Those objects
will expose
IUnknown and the other interfaces necessary to implement a namespace extension,
including
IPersistFolder,
IShellFolder,
IEnumIDList, and
IShellView. These interfaces allow the Explorer and your extension to display, interact,
and communicate.
It is important to remember that the Explorer calls into your extension by
using the
IShellFolder and
IShellView interfaces you have implemented in your extension. The
IShellBrowser interface (implemented by the Explorer), allows your extension to call back
into the Explorer. It is very similar to "Site"-type interfaces commonly found
in OLE scenarios.
Beyond these required interfaces, your extension will need to implement other
interfaces that will be created by the
IShellFolder object. These include
IExtractIcon to provide icons,
IContextMenu to provide context menus for your items, drag-and-drop interfaces (
IDropSource and
IDropTarget), and
IDataObject for data transfer.
Examples of in-process server DLLs, especially any that contain namespace or
shell extensions, are obviously helpful in learning to build namespace extension
DLLs.
- Software for developers
-
Delphi Components
.Net Components
Software for Android Developers
- More information resources
-
MegaDetailed.Net
Unix Manual Pages
Delphi Examples
- Databases for Amazon shops developers
-
Amazon Categories Database
Browse Nodes Database
