
The StarRating .NET DLL provides developers with a powerful, customizable star rating control that can be seamlessly integrated into applications requiring user feedback systems. This versatile component offers extensive styling options and interactive features to create professional rating interfaces with minimal coding effort.
Key Features and Functionality
This custom control stands out with its comprehensive set of visual customization options and user interaction capabilities:
- Visual Customization:
- Multiple fill types including solid colors, gradients, and custom drawings
- Adjustable gradient direction for dynamic visual effects
- Customizable border properties (color, visibility)
- Distinct colors for active and inactive star states
- Interactive Elements:
- Click-to-rate functionality (added in version 1.2.0)
- Adjustable number of stars (typically 5 by default)
- Precise value setting for partial star ratings
Implementation Guide
The package includes everything needed for quick implementation:
- Precompiled DLL for immediate reference
- Complete VB source file for customization
- Demo application showcasing various configurations
- Step-by-step “How To” guides for different implementation scenarios
Basic Integration Steps
- Add reference to the StarRating.dll in your project
- Include the control in your toolbox or instantiate it programmatically
- Configure properties according to your application’s design requirements
- Implement event handlers for rating capture and processing
Advanced Customization Options
Beyond basic implementation, the control offers deep customization through its extensive property set:
Visual Styling
- FillType: Choose between Solid, Gradient, or Drawing modes
- GradientDirection: Control the angle and flow of gradient fills
- ActiveStarColor/InactiveStarColor: Establish visual contrast for selected vs. unselected stars
Behavior Configuration
- StarCount: Set the total number of stars displayed (typically 3-10)
- Value: Programmatically set or read the current rating value
- ReadOnly: Configure whether users can interact with the control
Practical Applications
This star rating control is ideal for various scenarios:
- Product review systems in e-commerce applications
- Content rating in media platforms
- User feedback collection in service applications
- Internal quality assessment tools
Version 1.2.0 Enhancements
The latest update introduced significant improvements:
- Interactive star selection via mouse clicks
- Enhanced precision in rating capture
- Improved rendering performance
- Additional documentation for complex use cases
For developers working with VB.NET or other .NET languages, this control provides a robust solution that eliminates the need to build rating systems from scratch. Its comprehensive feature set and easy integration make it particularly valuable for projects requiring professional-quality rating interfaces with minimal development time.