How to create an array of buttons at runtime

Problem/Question/Abstract:

How to create an array of buttons at runtime

Answer:

Here is a unit that creates a row of buttons and a label at run time and displays which button is clicked on. All you need to do is start a new project, then paste all the code below into Unit1.

unit Unit1;

interface

uses
  SysUtils, WinTypes, WinProcs, Messages, Classes, Graphics, Controls, Forms, Dialogs, StdCtrls;

type
  TForm1 = class(TForm)
    procedure FormCreate(Sender: TObject);
    procedure ButtonClick(Sender: TObject);
  private
    { Private declarations }
  public
    { Public declarations }
  end;

var
  Form1: TForm1;

implementation

{$R *.DFM}

const
  b = 4; {Total number of buttons to create}

var
  ButtonArray: array[0..b - 1] of TButton; {Set up an array of buttons}
  MessageBox: TLabel;

procedure TForm1.FormCreate(Sender: TObject);
var
  loop: integer;
begin
  {Size the form to fit all the components in}
  ClientWidth := (b * 60) + 10;
  ClientHeight := 65;
  MessageBox := TLabel.Create(Self); {Create a label...}
  MessageBox.Parent := Self;
  MessageBox.Align := alTop; {...set up it's properties...}
  MessageBox.Alignment := taCenter;
  MessageBox.Caption := 'Press a Button';
  for loop := 0 to b - 1 do {Now create all the buttons}
  begin
    ButtonArray[loop] := TButton.Create(Self);
    with ButtonArray[loop] do
    begin
      Parent := self;
      Caption := IntToStr(loop);
      Width := 50;
      Height := 25;
      Top := 30;
      Left := (loop * 60) + 10;
      Tag := loop; {Used to tell which button is pressed}
      OnClick := ButtonClick;
    end;
  end;
end;

procedure TForm1.ButtonClick(Sender: TObject);
var
  t: Integer;
begin
  t := (Sender as TButton).Tag; {Get the button number}
  MessageBox.Caption := ' You pressed Button ' + IntToStr(t);
end;

end.