Question

I know that C# isn’t C++ in terms that it restricts you from deriving from multiple classes, but what are the ways to overcome it when developing a WPF application.

In my scenario I have a third party control which is a slider, it doesn’t derive from content control, hence doesn’t have a content property. However I need to have that property.
Several solution came to my mind:

1. Derive from multiple classes (Not possible in C#)
2. Add an attached property to the third party control
3. Extend third party control and add a Content property and all other properties which are required for it to function.
4. Encapsulate 3rd party control inside my custom control and derive from content control.

What approach would be the best one? Or if you know any other approaches let me know.

Answer 1

I vote for option 4. Composition seems to be a better option then inheritance in a long run. Later you will be able to replace you third-party control with something else without anybody from outside world knowing about the change. In other words you will encapsulate the dependency on the third-party control in your control.