[comp.unix.questions] Window I/F Development Packages

faigin@aerospace.aero.org (Daniel P. Faigin) (07/25/90)

I am looking for information regarding packages that are used in the
development of complex windowing programs under Unix. I am familiar (mostly at
the level of "I've heard the name") with the following packages: Motif, VAPS,
Curses (which I believe is part of the 4.2 distribution), DataView, and
AdaWindows; I'd especially like information on these.

Precisely, what I am looking for is the following information:

1. What are the package's significant features? Its drawbacks?

2. What does this package do in relation to its competition?

3. What hardware bases does the package run on?

4. Does the package generate code? If so, what languages?

5. Does the package interface with existing code? If so, what languages?

6. What is the cost for a development license for the package? A runtime
   license? Maintenance support?

Obligitory line: I am not a regular reader of these newsgroups. I would
appreciate it if responses could be directed to be via Email. My Aerospace
address is in my signature; an alternate address would be
Faigin@dockmaster.ncsc.mil. Additionally, if you have any spare product
literature, please feel free to send it to me at the address below.

Daniel
--
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[Email]:faigin@aerospace.aero.org               [Vmail]:213/336-5454 Box#3149
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david@jpl-devvax.JPL.NASA.GOV (David E. Smyth) (08/01/90)

faigin@aerospace.aero.org (Daniel P. Faigin) writes:
>
>I am looking for information regarding packages that are used in the
>development of complex windowing programs under Unix. ...

The Widget Creation Library (the distribution includes Mri - the
Motif Resource Interpreter).  

>1. What are the package's significant features? Its drawbacks?

Allows "everything" about the interface to be specified in
resource files.  It is not WYSIWYG.

>2. What does this package do in relation to its competition?

Its very simple.  It is TRIVIAL to tell it about your custom
widgets.  Its free.  People tell me they like it.

>3. What hardware bases does the package run on?

Supposedly, anything which supports X11 and Motif.  However, people
are having problems on MIPS machines (both sexes).  Certainly works
on Sun3, Sun3x, Sun4, and VAX MtXinu UNIX.

>4. Does the package generate code? If so, what languages?

Its written in C, is allows you to use resource files.  

>5. Does the package interface with existing code? If so, what languages?

I don't see why not.

>6. What is the cost for a development license for the package? A runtime
>   license? Maintenance support?

Free, free, free.

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