active window * The window that is receiving the user's input. The window controlled by the user and associated with the current ACCEPT statement. Only one window can be active at a time. On most systems, the active window is visually highlighted. A window is made active by any of the following actions: (a) when it is created, (b) when the program does an ACCEPT of a control in the window, (c) by some forms of the Format 10 SET statement, and (d) when the user clicks on a modeless window. See also current window.
ActiveX * A component model originally developed by Microsoft to standardize the way that application components and services behave. Today, most component-based technologies are assigned the label "ActiveX".
ActiveX control * An ActiveX control is an Object Linking and Embedding (OLE) object that performs a well-defined function, usually involving a graphical user interface. ActiveX controls subscribe to the ActiveX component model originally developed by Microsoft. As such, they behave in a manner that developers can predict, they are reusable, and they are toolable. Pre-programmed controls (such as calendars, clocks, and gauges) are sold by third-party vendors along with the licensing rights to use them in your Windows application. By supporting ActiveX controls, ACUCOBOL-GT allows you to take advantage of existing software functionality, as well as create applications that conform to the Windows standard.
application window * See main application window
bar * A control that draws a line on the screen.
bitmap * A control that allows you to place an animated bitmap on the screen.
border * The box forming the outermost edge of the window or control. Border types include thin, thick, and shadowed (3D border).
buttons * A class of controls used for yes/no, on/off choices (push button, radio button, check box).
child window * A window created by the currently active window (its parent). If the parent window is closed (destroyed), the child is also closed.
character-based display * A video mode that displays only full characters such as those defined by the ASCII or EBCDIC character sets.
check box * A control having a box which the user clicks on to select an on or off state. An "X" or check-mark appears in the box when the item is selected.
client area * The area of the window inside the borders, menu bar, toolbar, and title bar. synonym: display area
close box * See system menu.
combo box * An entry field with an attached list or drop-down list. The user can select an entry from the list, or directly enter a value. synonym: combination box
control * A graphical screen object with a dedicated input or output function, such as a push button, check box, or entry field. synonym: widget
control border * See border.
control type * A classification that specifies a control's properties. Each control type has a set of common and special properties. synonym: control class
current window * The output window. The window currently being acted on by the program, usually the same as the active window (the window accepting input), but it can be different, temporarily, via use of the UPON phrase. See active window.
cursor * The insertion point in a text field. The cursor is typically shown as a blinking vertical bar (I-beam).
data entry field * See entry field.
desktop * The screen background on top of which windows and icons are displayed.
dialog box * A modal or modeless window used to supply information or elicit input. Frequently used to get user preferences and confirm program actions. Note that modeless dialog boxes are not supported in Version 3.1.display area * See client area.
document window * A type of window used by the application to support and manage multiple open documents, or multiple views of an open document (spreadsheet, picture, etc.). Not currently supported in ACUCOBOL-GT.
drop-down list box * A selection box with a drop-down list.
entry field * A boxed field into which text is entered. If present, the current entry is highlighted and the user can select, delete, or edit up to the maximum length of the field. synonym: entry box, text box, edit box
event * A transitory action, such as a mouse movement, menu selection, or data entry.
event-driven * A system in which programs respond to events (actions) initiated by the user or system.
floating window * A host-based, pop-up window that displays over its parent window. It can be moved independent of its parent.
frame * A box used to visually group items. A frame can have a label. In MS Windows, frames are called group boxes. Frames can have a variety of border types: normal, heavy and various three dimensional effects.
Graphical User Interface System (GUI System) * An operating system or layer over the operating system that has as its principal feature the graphical display and control of the application user interface. The GUI system may provide other important operating system functions, but graphical representation and control is central. synonym: GUI Environment, Windowing System.
grid * A two-dimensional table of data fields. Each element of this table, called a "cell," can hold either text or a bitmap, or both. Grids are relatively complex controls with many properties that you can use to customize their appearance and behavior.
group box * See frame.
hot spot * The area on or around a display object (text, button, icon, etc.) that is affected by a mouse action.
icon * A small bitmapped graphic image variously used to represent the application or as a button label.
initial window * See main application window
label * A static text item. Labels are used to place text next to an entry field, or anywhere it is needed. synonym: static text
list box * An input field that displays a list of options for the user to choose from. The list box usually highlights the current selection.
main application window * The primary window of the application, usually including the application's main menu bar and title bar displaying the application's name.
menu bar * The labels usually located below the title bar that provide access to the application's pull down menus. Standard menu bar items include the "File", "Edit", and "Help" menus.
message box * A modal window used to display error and system messages. The message box may be supplied as a specialized service of the GUI system.
Method * An ActiveX term. Methods (or object methods) specify the functions that an ActiveX control provides. They are invoked using the MODIFY verb, and they can take any number of parameters or no parameters. They can also take optional parameters (i.e., parameters that can be omitted) and can return values (with the GIVING phrase.
minimize/maximize buttons * Small buttons, usually located in the upper right corner of the window's title bar (optional feature). When activated, these buttons reduce the window to an icon or enlarge the window to its largest supported size, respectively.
mnemonic keys * The underlined letter on menu entries which, when accessed with a special key combination from the keyboard, activates that menu item.
modal window * A window that, when active, prevents the user from activating any other window.
modeless window * A window that, when active, allows the user to activate another window via a system-dependent technique (for example, clicking on the window with the mouse).
multi-line entry field * A large entry field displayed as multiple lines. synonym: multi-line edit box
parent window * The current window when a new window is created. When the parent window is closed, all associated child windows are also closed. See child window.
pointer * The arrow (or other shape) that is moved by the mouse, trackball, joystick, etc. to navigate the screen.
pointing device * The mouse, trackball, stylist, or other device manipulated by the user to move the pointer and make selections on the screen.
pop-up menu * A menu which is displayed when the user positions the mouse over an object with a pop-up menu and clicks or activates the menu with the keyboard. The menu pops up over the current window.
pop-up window * Any window created by the program that pops up over the current window. Prior to Version 3.0, the term pop-up window was sometimes used to refer to windows created with the DISPLAY WINDOW statement (these windows are now known as subwindows). See also modal window and modeless window.
pull-down menu * The list of menu options displayed when an option on the main menu bar is activated by the pointer or keyboard. Menu options are displayed in a vertical list that may have horizontal dividers and links to submenus.
push button * A rectangular area with text or a graphic that describes the action performed by the button. synonym: command button
radio button * A set of two or more buttons used to present mutually exclusive options. When one button is selected, all other buttons are made to appear empty (like an old fashion car radio - when a button is pushed in the previously pushed button pops out). synonym: option button
screen * The entire video display space.
scroll bar * A bar with a slider box and arrow boxes at each end. Scroll bars are attached to a window when the size of the data exceeds the window's display area. A window can have vertical or horizontal scroll bars, or both.
selection box * See list box.
static text field * See label.
subwindow * The traditional ACUCOBOL-85, text-based pop-up window. The name subwindow was introduced in ACUCOBOL-GT Version 3.0.
system menu * An optional drop down menu, usually located in the left corner of the title bar, reserved for special control of the active window. The system menu usually includes options such as: Restore, Move, Size, Minimize, Maximize, Close, and Switch To. synonym: close box, control menu
tab * A control that combines a box with a tab, resulting in a screen element that looks like a file folder.
text box * See entry field.
thread * An execution path through your program.
title * The text label that is displayed in the window's title bar. Also a common property of all control types.
title bar * The bar, usually at the top of the window, that includes a text label (title) and, optionally, a system menu (left corner) and minimize and maximize buttons (right corner).
toolbar * A row of icon buttons used to perform or initiate program tasks.
widget * A synonym for control.
window * The framed rectangular display space that typically includes a combination of interface devices such as menus, controls, and scroll bars.
window frame * The border around a window. See border.