Dialog boxes are pre-defined windows used to inform the user and let the user make a decision based on the information.
The Wimp does not provide a way of changing pre-defined dialog boxes, however, it is possible to create windows that mimic the look and feel of dialog boxes to achieve the same effect.
There are three distinct reasons for using a dialog box.
# | Type | Description |
---|---|---|
1 | Notification | Used to display information to the user |
2 | Static | Used as a normal window to allow the user to enter information or make a choice |
3 | Menu Entry | A window that is opened via a menu system option |
There are two methods of opening a dialog box:
1 | Use the Wimp_OpenWindow to open a dialog box like a standard window |
2 | Use Wimp_CreateMenu if the dialog box is to be opened via the menu system. This ensures that the dialog box is opened as if it was a menu window. i.e a non-persistent window that will close if the mouse pointer is clicked outside of the dialog box |
Note: If a dialog box is available via the menu system and has a keyboard shortcut assigned, then the dialog should be opened as a menu (option 2 above) as this will ensure that it will be opened in the same manner as it would via the menu system.
Any type of icon can be assigned within a user-defined dialog box, as it is just a standard window.
RISC OS has many guidelines on the appropriate use of dialog boxes. For a complete detailed guide on dialog boxes, please see the RISC OS Style Guide.