Multiple Document Interface

Multiple Document Interface (MDI ) refers to a form of graphical user interface for programs. It is characterized by the fact that in one application window at the same time more than one document can be opened, which will then be displayed in separate windows ( Inner frames). The subwindows behave to the program window as the program window to the desktop behaves: they can be freely positioned and resized.

The purpose of the Multiple Document Interface was originally to allow work on multiple documents without having to restart the program several times. Since, however, proved the subwindow to be quite confusing, in modern programs mainly two alternative ways are:

  • In the Single Document Interface (SDI ) of each document gets its own main window
  • When organized Tabbed Document Interface, the sub windows are not a free-floating, but in so-called tabs (English tabs)

In addition, it is often possible to the surface horizontally or vertically split in order to view multiple documents simultaneously.

  • In the Microsoft Windows operating system can be switched by keyboard shortcut Ctrl Tab between documents back and forth.
  • In Mac OS X sub-window can be placed anywhere. The program window has been reduced to the menu at the top of the screen edge.

The MFC library allows four different types of applications: SDI ( Single Document Interface ), MDI (Multiple Document Interface), MTI (Multiple top- level windows interface ) and dialogue- based.

  • Graphical User Interface
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