[comp.windows.x] Mixing Widget Sets?

mikeg%monsoon.c3@lanl.gov (Michael P. Gerlek) (08/02/89)

Question: How smart is it to build an application that uses more than
one widget set, i.e.  using both HP widgets and Athena widgets?
Obviously it can be done and will work, but are there any underlying
considerations that might make this Not A Good Idea?

Offhand, it would seem to me that since by definition a widget is a
functionally complete, cohesive module it ought to be able to be used
anywhere and in any context... 


[  M.P.Gerlek (mikeg@monsoon.c3.lanl.gov)        "My art museum fantasy:  ]
[  Los Alamos Nat'l Lab / Merrimack College  To reach out and stroke the  ]
[  Disclaimer: Yes, Mom, I'll play nice.   frozen marble neck of Venus."  ]

kit@EXPO.LCS.MIT.EDU (Chris D. Peterson) (08/03/89)

> Offhand, it would seem to me that since by definition a widget is a
> functionally complete, cohesive module it ought to be able to be used
> anywhere and in any context... 

In an ideal world this would be correct, unfortunately even though most
widgets are self contained you may have problems mixing widget sets.  Here
are a few examples.

1) Each widget set tends to have its own look and feel.

2) Sometimes widgets will use private channels of communication this is how
   the HP widgets get the keyboard traversal stuff, for example.


If you can get the behavior that you are looking for with two or more widget
sets then I see no reason not to do it.  There are things to consider like those
I have mentioned above, but as you say most widgets are pretty self contained.


						Chris D. Peterson     
						MIT X Consortium 

Net:	 kit@expo.lcs.mit.edu
Phone:   (617) 253 - 9608	
Address: MIT - Room NE43-213

Michael.P..Gerlek@mamab.FIDONET.ORG (Michael P. Gerlek) (08/05/89)

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