This article describes a simple approach to creating a custom
file type. In the example provided, a custom file type is
created around a serializable class that is used as a data
container holding all of the elements necessary to support an
application designed to interact with the defined file type. A
separate module is used to serialize and deserialize files of
this user defined file type. It is possible to include more than
a single data container class as the basis for the file type;
placing a collection of objects into a hash table will allow for
greater complexity but will still operate in the same manner.
The approach is useful if you are in need of a way to create a
file type that is specific to a particular application. In order
to get started, unzip the downloaded files and open the project
provided. Within the project you will find three main files:
frmMain.vb, ProjectSerializer.vb, and PersonalData.vb.
frmMain.vb: This is the application and it is used to represent
an application that interacts ex