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TeeTree provides powerful database binding capabilities through the TDBTree component, allowing you to display hierarchical data directly from database tables.

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Basic Database Connection

The simplest way to connect TeeTree to a database is using the TDBTree component: 
type
  TDBTreeForm = class(TForm)
    DBTree1: TDBTree;
    Table1: TTable;
    Button1: TButton;
  end;

procedure TDBTreeForm.Button1Click(Sender: TObject);
begin
  // Open the table and refresh the tree
  Table1.Open;
  DBTree1.Refresh;
end;

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Database Tree Wizard

TeeTree includes a visual wizard to configure database connections: 
uses TreeDBEd;  // Database Tree Wizard dialog

procedure TDBTreeWizardForm.Button1Click(Sender: TObject);
begin
  ShowDBTreeEditor(Self, DBTree1);
end;

procedure TDBTreeWizardForm.CheckBox1Click(Sender: TObject);
begin
  Table1.Active := CheckBox1.Checked;
  
  DBTree1.Clear;
  DBTree1.Refresh;
end;

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Master-Detail Relationships

Display complex hierarchical data with master-detail table relationships: 
type
  TDBTreeMasterDetailForm = class(TForm)
    DBTree1: TDBTree;
    Customer: TTable;
    Orders: TTable;
    Items: TTable;
    DataSource1: TDataSource;
    DataSource2: TDataSource;
  end;

procedure TDBTreeMasterDetailForm.CheckBox1Click(Sender: TObject);
begin
  // Open or close all datasets
  Customer.Active := CheckBox1.Checked;
  Orders.Active := CheckBox1.Checked;
  Items.Active := CheckBox1.Checked;

  DBTree1.Clear;
  DBTree1.Refresh;
end;

// Customize node appearance when selected
procedure TDBTreeMasterDetailForm.DBTree1SelectShape(Sender: TTreeNodeShape);
begin
  // Make selected node bold
  with Sender.Font do
    Style := Style + [fsBold];
end;

procedure TDBTreeMasterDetailForm.DBTree1UnSelectShape(Sender: TTreeNodeShape);
begin
  // Remove bold when unselecting
  with Sender.Font do
    Style := Style - [fsBold];
end;

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Formatting Database Nodes

Customize the appearance of database-bound nodes: 
uses TreeShEd;

procedure TDBTreeFormatForm.CheckBox1Click(Sender: TObject);
begin
  Table1.Active := CheckBox1.Checked;
  
  DBTree1.Clear;
  DBTree1.Refresh;
end;

procedure TDBTreeFormatForm.Button2Click(Sender: TObject);
begin
  // Edit the layout format for database nodes
  EditTreeShape(Self, DBTree1.Layout[0].Format);
  DBTree1.Refresh;
end;

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Grouping Database Records

Group database records by multiple fields: 
procedure TDBTreeGroupForm.ComboFlat3Change(Sender: TObject);
begin
  // Set multiple parent fields for grouping
  with DBTree1.Layout[0] do
    ParentField := ComboFlat1.Items[ComboFlat1.ItemIndex] + ';' +
                   ComboFlat2.Items[ComboFlat2.ItemIndex] + ';' +
                   ComboFlat3.Items[ComboFlat3.ItemIndex];

  DBTree1.Refresh;
end;

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Key Properties

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Layout Configuration

The Layout property controls how database data is displayed:
  • Layout[0].DataSet - The dataset to bind to
  • Layout[0].TextField - Field to display as node text
  • Layout[0].ParentField - Field(s) that define parent-child relationships
  • Layout[0].Format - Visual formatting for nodes at this level

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Multiple Levels

You can configure multiple layout levels for complex hierarchies: 
// Configure first level
DBTree1.Layout[0].DataSet := CustomersTable;
DBTree1.Layout[0].TextField := 'CompanyName';

// Configure second level
DBTree1.Layout[1].DataSet := OrdersTable;
DBTree1.Layout[1].TextField := 'OrderNumber';
DBTree1.Layout[1].ParentField := 'CustomerID';

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Best Practices

  • Use BeginUpdate and EndUpdate when refreshing large datasets
  • Close and reopen datasets when changing layout configuration
  • Consider limiting the number of visible levels for very large hierarchies
  • Always call Clear before Refresh when dataset state changes
  • Handle database connection errors gracefully
  • Validate parent-child relationships in your data
  • Provide visual feedback during data loading
  • Use the database wizard for initial setup
  • Format nodes appropriately for the data type

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Common Patterns

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Self-Referencing Tables

For tables that reference themselves (like employee hierarchies): 
DBTree1.Layout[0].DataSet := EmployeeTable;
DBTree1.Layout[0].TextField := 'EmployeeName';
DBTree1.Layout[0].ParentField := 'ManagerID';
DBTree1.Layout[0].IDField := 'EmployeeID';

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Multiple Parent Fields

Group by multiple criteria using semicolon-separated field names: 
DBTree1.Layout[0].ParentField := 'Department;Division;Region';

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