Flow Layout In ASP.NET DataView (Upcoming Feature)

In the DXperience 2009 volume 1 release, expected to release 1st quarter of 2009, the ASPxDataView will support the 'flow' layout mode.

With a flow layout, the items in the ASPxDataView will flow one after another even after the browser is resized. This allows you to automatically fill the page area in the best possible way.

Why is this useful?

Let's say you've got a page that displays a bunch of images. A flow layout allows the site to be 'stretchable'. Therefore, if the user has a larger monitor and wants to see more items, the ASPxDataView in flow layout will expand and fill the page area.

The flow feature also frees you from having to choose 2, 3, or however many columns may fit into your target client browsers. For example, power users always want more data displayed but you still have to accommodate the small monitors, too. Flow layout helps with that.

Check out these screenshots of the sample photo gallery website. At different resolutions, the images in the ASPxDataView auto expand to fill the browser area:

800 x 600 (Small Laptop, Netbook):

1024 x 768 (Standard Size / 48% of Internet Users):

1275 x 794 (Large Monitor / Power User):

You'll get the new ASPxDataView's flow feature as soon as it's released with your DXperience subscription. Not subscribed to DXperience? Here's more info on how to do that.

The flow layout is a slick new feature and looks great on a photo website. What other websites would a flow layout be useful for?

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