Conference bulova::decw_jan-89_to_nov-90

2039.0. "Two Windows controled by one program (via BASIC)." by ESTEEM::MAILHOT () Mon Jan 15 1990 13:58

Hello

   I have a need to control two windows (on a VAXstation 3100) by one
program that is written in the language BASIC.

   Can someone provide me with an example that performs the following 
functionality from within the BASIC language?

   1) The program must open two windows on a screen (Window 1 and Window 2).
   2) The program must be able to accept input from window 1, and based on
      the input parameter, display a message on window 2.
   3) The program must close down window 1 and window 2 upon completion.

             Window 1                             Window 2
  +-----------------------------+   +---------------------------------+
  |                             |   |                                 |
  | Select Item to print the    |   |                                 |
  | following message:          |   |                                 |
  |                             |   |  The message select is:         |
  |        1. "Hi There"        |   |             Bye There           |
  |        2. "Bye There"       |   |                                 |
  |                             |   |                                 |
  |      Enter Item: 2          |   |                                 |
  |                             |   |                                 |
  +-----------------------------+   +---------------------------------+

   I was able to do this from within the UIS windowing system, and would like
to be able to duplicate the process from within DECwindows.  I have a need
to use this functionality RIGHT AWAY and I am a novice at programming using 
DECwindows (but I am an expert at using the VAX BASIC Language) and that is 
why I'm looking for an example that will perform the above functionality.   
This will be the quickest way to, pull all the DECwindow pieces together, and 
get the functionality that I need to turn around a solution. 

   Later I will be able to focus more attention on reading through the 
DECWindows manuals and take a DECwindows programming course to learn the 
DECwindows functionality inside and out.  But for now I do not have the luxury 
of time, so your help is very much appreciated.   

                                            Thanks in advance!     
                                            Scott
    
(Posting also in the VAX BASIC notes file.)

    I am myself a relative DECwindows novice, but I can give you at
    least one recommendation: use UIL (User Interface Language) to define
    your windows. This separates the structure of your user interface
    from the function of your application, making it easier to develop
    and maintain.
    
    There is no problem managing two or any number of windows since
    you normally have a window (actually, a widget) hierarchy. Make
    your two application windows "children" of your main application
    window. 
    
    Read the Guide to DECwindows Application Programming, which covers
    UIL and general DECwindows programming concepts quite logically
    and clearly. This document includes a code example in a variety
    of languages, though I don't recall if one of them was BASIC.
    
    Can't get away without doing at least some reading, I am afraid...
    
    

    
    Gee, if you wait a day or so, you can continue to use UIS via the
    UISX library for X11/DECwindows :-).  Makes it even easier since
    you already know how to write UIS applications.