Dialog box

Source: CUA, Motif, Windows
Aliases: Message dialog, Prompt dialog, Question
dialog, Warning dialog, Working dialog (Motif);
Message box (CUA); Movable dialog (Windows)
Related: Window
SCO Visual Tcl commands: VtErrorDialog, VtFileSelectionDialog,
VtFormDialog, VtInformationDialog, VtMessageDialog,
VtQuestionDialog, VtSelectionDialog, VtWarningDialog,
VtWorkingDialog

Characteristics

• To present information to the user (message from the system or fill-in form).

• To take user input.

• A movable window of fixed size.

• Appears during processing of a user request when there is further action for users to take or when more information is needed for the application to continue.

• Dialog boxes use no menus. They use buttons to invoke commands.

• Use an ellipsis (...) after the name of a button or menu item that brings up a dialog box to show that more information will be requested.

• Provide a set of buttons for each dialog box; one push button to confirm and complete the action and another to back out of the dialog box without completing the action or committing any changes specified in the dialog box. Provide a Help button for access to online help.

Types of dialog boxes

• Modeless dialog boxes let users continue to work in application windows outside the dialog box without completing the dialog.

• Modal dialog boxes require users to complete the dialog before returning to work.