
         +-------------------------------------------------------------------+
         |                                                                   |
         |               XbW: "X without bells and whistles"                 |
         |                                                                   |
         +-------------------------------------------------------------------+


Purpose: Create fast executable user interfaces for experimental machine
         controllers in test field software where user errors in the data 
         input stage are the most important factor of reliability, without 
         the hassle of compiling C-code every time. Allow direct manipu-
         lation of every feature of your user interface. 

Features:
         - Fast programming of large numbers of objects
         - Easy storage and retrieval of complete user interfaces
         - Fast creation of and access to extremely large user interfaces

         - Bundling of subwindows within windows eases grouping of objects;
           bundled windows can share common ''iconized'' status

         - Colors are associated in grouped classes. Every window and object
           has four colors: background fill, bright, dark and text color.
           Every color class is a unique combination of these four.
           This allows fast modification of general design rules; e.g.
           to switch from color to black and white display.

Advantages:
         1. An easy to control interface from XbW to your C-programs
            guarantees that your program gets correct data to cope with.
         2. The same interface allows operation of your program without
            the user interface at all; this enables you to track errors
            down more easily than with a large user interface running in
            the background.
         3. Automatic creation of the "C" data structures for data ex/import.
         4. You can transport your program to another user interface by
            just adapting the data interface. 
         5. All the simple user interface elements can be created rapidly.

Disadvantages (build-in features :)
         1. Although it is possible to link your program directly to XbW,
            this is discouraged. If you want that, use another user
            interface.
         2. The source code for XbW is quite unreadable :)
         3. Complex user interface elements should be separated into smaller,
            more-easily-to-produce, elements. If you really need tons of 
            complex user interface elements, use another user interface :)

What you have to accept:
         1. You cannot make money by selling XbW or parts of it; you are only 
            allowed to:
            - sell your user interface database/code and deliver XbW free of 
              charge in exactly the way in that you received it.
            - contact the author if that does not suffice
         2. The XbW Interpreter's grammar, which has its pros and cons :)
         
So far this is the end of the intro. Try doing the following:

- create a symbolic link in a way that 

  /xw 

  reaches the directory in that this README is found. Or, more easy,
  install XbW from the root directory. It is important that

  /xw/x

  reaches the ./x directory, where the XbW macro library lives.


- cd to /xw/csource, do a make and get yourceslf a cup of coffee :)
- drink it
- cd to /xw/applications/adder and do a make. You should see the XbW
  main window displaying the "calculator".

- try out: /xw/applications/megawin and all /xw/samples
 
- get yourself used to the "C"-style, but modified :) syntax of the
  XBW interpreter...

- throw any comments & patches into /pub/XbW at    ftp 134.34.193.150
  that is PC150.swbv.uni-konstanz.de (also known as the "bluesmobile" :) 

- I don't have or read UNIX mail :))) so you better use that ftp-server
  or try FIDO NET:  my point address is  

  2:246/8112.4

Have fun,

]=[endrik Maroske
