[comp.sys.mac] The mac's mouse pointer

wilson@husc8.HARVARD.EDU (Randy Wilson) (05/02/87)

Does anyone know how the Mac accomplishes the displaying of the mouse pointer
on the screen?  It seems to me that the cursor is actually drawn on the screen,
then Quickdraw discovers whenever an operation is going to draw over it, and
replaces the original bits, allows the drawing to occur, then replaces the
image of the cursor.  This would explain the flashing of the cursor that 
happens when drawing is happening under or near it.  Does anyone have a more
detailed understanding of the process, or a different explanation?  It seems
like this method would be inefficient in certain instances.  I would
like to create other objects that would work in the same way (much like the
buggy "System bugs" DA did).  Any info would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance,
Randy Wilson
wilson@husc8.UUCP