Widget


So, what is it?

Widget is a system for generating and managing user-interfaces, the part of a program which you actually see and manipulate (windows, buttons etc). Although the Amiga has some built in support for interfaces, it is often more sensible to build another, more sophisticated system on top, rather than attempt to program it directly. This allows the programmers of applications (such as Photogenics) to get on with the task of actually writing the code that performs the task in hand (such as image processing and painting), rather than continually have to mess about with trivial code to handle button clicks, and window movement.

Why Widget?

As we implied above, there are several different systems employed on the Amiga to accomplish this sort of task. Why did we choose to develop and use Widget instead? Well, put it simply, none of the other systems (especially MUI) allowed us the flexibility and power that we needed, and also were far too resource hungry. They used too much memory. Often they also suffered from poor design, meaning that in the long run it didn't make it any easier for us, and if anything made it more annoying for you, the user. Widget was developed to be fast, small, and powerful.

What does that mean for me, the user?

Hopefully, it means that you will be able to have a fast, flexible environment to work in, allowing you to be as creative as you want and use the program however you want.

How does it work then?

Well, the first thing to notice, is that windows controlled by widget (which most are in Photogenics) are different to the normal windows. Things to notice, are that the border imagery is slightly different, in that the titles are all nicely centered and the gadgets are slightly more inset. Also, there is no sizing gadget in the corner of the window, and depending on the options you chose when installing, the gadgets inside the window may look a little different, with lighter coloured surfaces, and more subtle shading.

No sizing gadget? What if I want to resize the window?

No problem! Almost all windows in widget can be resized. Instead of having a gadget taking up space in one corner, widget windows can be resized simply by clicking with the left button near one edge or corner of the window and dragging. Just like normal windows, an outline will be shown demonstrating where the new window position and size will lie. When you are happy with the size, simple let go of the mouse button. As an added extra, you can also move the window around while you change the size, by temporarily also pressing the right button. With the right button pressed, the window box can be moved around with changing size.

Some of the windows look different, what's that all about?

There are two types of window. The normal window, with a standard close gadget, and a pop-up window, which has a different kind of gadget. This looks like a little white square. In fact, it represents a blank page. The pop-up windows are used for getting a selection kind of input. The loaders and savers lists are examples of pop-ups. What happens with these normally, is that you select one, and then the window will automatically close. There are times however, especially if you have a larger screen resolution, where you want to leave these windows open all the time. To do this, click on the page icon, where the close gadget would normally be. This will toggle it, between the normal, square style, and an image of a page with the corner folded over. In this state, the window will not close. The state of these windows will be saved with the preferences, so once you get them laid out how you want, it will be the same every time you use the program.

Whats this selector window then?

The selector window, is a main control window, from which you can bring up any of the main lists (loaders, savers, painmodes, effects and brushes), and also activate the current selection. You can use this if you want to keep these selections on screen but do not have room for the whole lists. You can click the arrows to go back and forward through the available choices, or click on the name to bring up the list.

Can't I select load or whatever without having the selector window open, or before the loaders list shuts?

Of course. If you select an option in a list with the right mouse button, you will get another pop-up with some options in it. These vary from list to list, but let you perform whatever actions are appropriate to the current selection. In fact, some options are only available from here. You can leave this pop-up open by folding the corner over of course.

Back to Online Help Main Index


Copyright © Almathera 1996