ULTRIX Worksystem Software Guide to the XUI Toolkit: C Language Binding

This document, titled "Guide to the XUI Toolkit: C Language Binding," is a comprehensive programming manual published by Digital Equipment Corporation. It is designed for application programmers, widget programmers, and Digital's software support and instructional staff working with ULTRIX Worksystem Software (Version 2.2 and higher).

The manual provides detailed information on how to write user interface applications using the high-level and low-level C functions of the XUI Toolkit, adhering to the XUI "look and feel."

Key content areas covered include:

• Programming Fundamentals: Introduces core concepts such as methods for creating widget instances (high-level functions, low-level functions, and the XUI User Interface Language), widget class hierarchy and attribute inheritance, common attributes, required include files, callback mechanisms, and function formats.

• Widget Functions: Provides in-depth descriptions for a wide array of user interface elements:

  • Window Widgets: Creating and managing application main windows, menu bars, general windows, and scroll windows, including adding subwidgets.
  • Subarea Widgets: Functions for scroll bars, labels, toggle buttons, radio boxes, push buttons, and scale widgets, along with methods to obtain and set their states and positions.
  • Menu Widgets: Details the creation of various menu types (pull-down, pop-up, option menus) and separators, including menu convenience functions.
  • Dialog Box and Text Widgets: Covers the creation and manipulation of different dialog box styles (standard, attached, pop-up), simple and compound string text widgets, color mix widgets, and list boxes.
  • Standard Menus and Dialog Boxes: Guides the implementation of common application dialogs such as help menus, work-in-progress boxes, message boxes, caution boxes, command windows, and file selection boxes.
  • Gadget Functions: Explains the use of "gadgets," which are lightweight, reduced-functionality widgets that do not have associated X windows, highlighting their advantages.

• Other Toolkit Functions:

  • Cut and Paste: Describes how applications can interact with the clipboard, focusing on Inter-Client Communications Conventions Manual (ICCCM) compliance for data transfer, including functions for setting up storage, retrieving data, copying, and registering formats.
  • Compound String Functions: Details the creation, comparison, and manipulation of compound strings and font lists, which are essential for handling multi-language and multi-font text.
  • Convenience Functions: Offers utility functions for displaying messages (VMS and compound string), supporting upward-compatible application development, simulating push button activation, and retrieving user data associated with widgets.

The document also includes a "Summary of Technical Changes" section outlining updates and new features introduced in ULTRIX Worksystem Software Version 2.2, with particular attention to ICCCM compliance and performance enhancements. An extensive appendix provides tables listing attributes, their data types, and default values for all supported widgets and gadgets.