Using Threads in a Plugin

[kimkamp22]

Hi!

I' m trying to get Threading to work in my Plugin.

Sub BtnCalcContactDataClick(sender As Object, e As EventArgs)
		If z.CalcOK = True Then
			z.CalcOK = False   ' Trying to stop multiple Threads
			dim strATA as Thread
			strATA = New Thread(AddressOf Me.CalcCurrentContact)
			strATA.SetApartmentState(threading.ApartmentState.STA)
			Try
				strATA.Start()
			Catch ex As Exception
				msgbox(ex.Message)
			End Try
		End If
	End Sub

This Thread runs CalcCurrentContact() just great.

The problem comes when I'm trying to run this Thread while opening a Form in my Plugin:

Sub LblPRNClick(sender As Object, e As EventArgs)
		If z.CalcOK = True Then
			z.CalcOK = False
			dim strATA as Thread
			strATA = New Thread(AddressOf Me.CalcCurrentContact)
			strATA.SetApartmentState(threading.ApartmentState.STA)
			try
				strATA.Start()
			Catch ex As Exception
				msgbox(ex.Message)
			End Try
		End If
		Dim ActToPRN As New ActToPRN()
		z.ActToPRNopen = 1				' the Form is now open
		ActToPRN.ShowDialog()
	End Sub

The Thread tends to get cut off during program execution, when the Form opens.

Any ideas/recommendations on this Code, and/or recommendations on how to use Threads in an ACT! Plugin?

Thanks!

[kimkamp22 · Accepted solution]

I've found out the issue.

The Thread, and the Form called, CANNOT have any TextBox updates, or the Plugin will crash.

In the Form, the following in the OnLOAD() event will/can cause the Plugin to crash:

	Public Sub OnLoad()
		' The Me.InitializeComponent call is required for Windows Forms designer support.
		Me.InitializeComponent()
		z.ActToPDFopen = 1
		txtPDFforms.Text = z.PDFforms    ' this line stops the Plugin
		FillFileGrid()
		FillListBox()
	End Sub

 Commenting out the TextBox instruction allows the Plugin to work:

	Public Sub OnLoad()
		' The Me.InitializeComponent call is required for Windows Forms designer support.
		Me.InitializeComponent()
		z.ActToPDFopen = 1           
		' txtPDFforms.Text = z.PDFforms        ' This works!
		FillFileGrid()
		FillListBox()
	End Sub

 Go figure...

[kimkamp22 · Accepted solution]

I've found out the issue.

The Thread, and the Form called, CANNOT have any TextBox updates, or the Plugin will crash.

In the Form, the following in the OnLOAD() event will/can cause the Plugin to crash:

	Public Sub OnLoad()
		' The Me.InitializeComponent call is required for Windows Forms designer support.
		Me.InitializeComponent()
		z.ActToPDFopen = 1
		txtPDFforms.Text = z.PDFforms    ' this line stops the Plugin
		FillFileGrid()
		FillListBox()
	End Sub

 Commenting out the TextBox instruction allows the Plugin to work:

	Public Sub OnLoad()
		' The Me.InitializeComponent call is required for Windows Forms designer support.
		Me.InitializeComponent()
		z.ActToPDFopen = 1           
		' txtPDFforms.Text = z.PDFforms        ' This works!
		FillFileGrid()
		FillListBox()
	End Sub

 Go figure...