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From: dinda@cat55.cs.wisc.edu (Peter Dinda)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.mac.misc,comp.windows.ms
Subject: Re: give me solid facts: why is the mac better than MeSsy DOS/WINDOWS
Summary: MDI!
Keywords: WINDOWS MDI MAC
Message-ID: <1991Apr1.194344.13523@daffy.cs.wisc.edu>
Date: 1 Apr 91 19:43:44 GMT
References: <1991Mar27.195719.15623@maths.tcd.ie> <10212@hub.ucsb.edu> <1991Mar30.084515.18789@nntp-server.caltech.edu>
Sender: dinda@garfield.cs.wisc.edu
Organization: U of Wisconsin CS Dept
Lines: 40

In article <1991Mar30.084515.18789@nntp-server.caltech.edu> woody@nntp-server.caltech.edu (William Edward Woody) writes:
>The reason why multiple instances of an application is desirable under
>Microsoft Windows is that under Windows it's generally 'one instance --
>one file'.  That is, if you have two text files to edit, you open two
>copies of your text editor, one for the first edit file, and one for the
>second.

Take a look at Winword or Excel sometime...  Multiple Documents within the
same program.

>On the Macintosh, applications are *supposed* to be able to open and edit
>multiple files.  In other words, you need only one copy of your editor
>to open several files at the same time.

Sorry.  On the Mac, you have to jump through hoops to provide multiple
open documents.  It's one of the reasons Macwrite never did!  Under Windows
it is also hellish, but the OS gives you a boost:  There is a Windows API
called MDI (Muliple Document Interface) which simplifies the programming.

>The Windows model is easier to program.  After all, as each instance behaves
>as if it is it's own private model, with it's own globals, you can be lazy
>and stick the contents of your text file (or whatever) into a global
>data structure and use it there.  But I find the windows model is a bit

Yah.  This is known as a BADLY WRITTEN PROGRAM.  Ideally the code is
written to be reenterant and the data is stored in non static memory you
ask Windows for.  

>awkward to use; after all, if you want to open three text files, you have
>to open three instances, then find the text files...  I have not found
>a fast and easy way around this, and I would love it if someone could
>tell me a quick workaround.

It seems like you are talking about NOTEPAD here.  Multipad (comes with the
SDK) is an MDI equipped NOTEPAD.  Alternatively, use WinWord or Ami - or  
(gods forbid!) open a DOS box and use LIST!


Peter A. Dinda
see also dinda@VMS.macc.wisc.edu