9.4 DUIM-Frames Module

frame-mode

Generic function

Summary

Returns the mode of the specified frame.

Signature

frame-mode frame => mode

Arguments

frame: An instance of type <frame>.

Values

mode: An instance of type one-of(#"modeless", #"modal", #"system-modal").

Library

duim-frames

Module

duim-frames

Description

Returns the mode of frame. This is the same value as was specified for the mode: init-keyword when the frame was created.

If frame is modal, such as a dialog, then it must be dismissed before the user can interact with the user interface of an application (for instance, before a menu can be displayed).

If frame is modeless, then the user can interact with its parent frame while the frame is still visible. Typically, the user will move the frame to a convenient position on the screen and continue work, keeping the frame on screen for as long as is desired. For example it is often useful to make the Find dialog box in an application modeless, so that the user can keep it on screen while performing other tasks.

If frame is system-modal, then it prevents the user from interacting with any other running applications, such as the Shutdown dialog in Windows 95. System modal frames are rarely used, and should be used with caution.

Note: You can only set the mode of a frame when it is first created. The mode cannot subsequently be changed.