C# - What is a component and how is it typically used?

Question

What is a component class and where would I typically use one?

When I add a new item to my project in VS.NET 2008 one of the options is to add a component. I am not

Answer 1

If you mean a class that inherits from System.ComponentModel.Component, like for example the System.Windows.Forms.BindingSource and strongly-typed DataSets, this will allow to drag an instance on the Visual Studio design surface (on a form in design-time) and set some properties using the property grid.

Once there is an instance of such component on the form it is discoverable by other components/controls. For example a BindingSource can be selected as a data source for a grid view or some other control.

Answer 2

Component Class is for sharing objects between applications.

Typically for dropping down object like outlook email to an application.

Answer 3

Well, generally speaking, a component is any part of a thing. Specifically in .NET, a component is a class that implements the IComponent interface, which indicates that a class can interact with it's logical container.

More often than not, you see this in the form of design support, in that classes interact with their host in the designer, but that's not a strict requirement.