Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!cs.utexas.edu!uunet!mcsun!ukc!stl!cel!ajy
From: ajy@cel.co.uk (andrew yeomans)
Newsgroups: comp.windows.x
Subject: Motif vs OpenLook - a heretical thought?
Message-ID: <8658@suns4.cel.co.uk>
Date: 21 Feb 91 14:18:01 GMT
Sender: ajy@cel.co.uk
Reply-To: ajy@cel.co.uk (andrew yeomans)
Followup-To: comp.windows.x
Organization: Crosfield Ltd., Hemel Hempstead, United Kingdom
Lines: 31

It seems to me that the debate on which is better, Motif / OpenLook / 
Windows / Apple / Presentation Manager / etc. is sadly too similar to the 
flames on which programming language is better, when the user wanted an 
application, not a language.

(flame half on)

I believe that the current window system API's are FAR too complex for 
effective use, at least by the majority of programmers. For example, my copy
of the Motif Programmers' Reference has almost 1000 pages - compare this
with the 272 pages of the K+R C Programming Language (2nd ed), which includes
both tutorial and reference.

It seems to me that we should instead be debating which Interface Builder we 
should be using, as these offer the chance of:

	a) Simplifying use of the window system, so that most of the available
	   functionality is easy to understand and use;
	b) Building the same user interface to run with either Motif or
	   OpenLook - without preventing use of 'special' functions in each.

(flame off)

I'd be interested on hearing opinions as to whether use of (graphical)
Interface Builders is the 'right' way to go in the Motif/OpenLook debate.
--
Andrew Yeomans            | UUCP: ajy@cel.uucp or ..!{ukc,mcsun,uunet}!cel!ajy
Crosfield Electronics Ltd | PSTN: +44 442 230000 X 3371   Fax: +44 442 232301
Three Cherry Trees Lane   | These opinions are MINE, all MINE!
Hemel Hempstead           | Ps 66: "Thou broughtest us into the net; 
Herts, HP2 7RH, England   | thou laidst affliction upon our loins."