What’s a multi-doc interface?

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MDI is a Windows programming strategy that allows users to work with multiple documents simultaneously within a certain application. It involves a parent and child environment, allowing for easy movement between different documents. This function is useful for work-related tasks and web conferencing.

The multiple document interface or MDI is a programming strategy that is commonly part of the Windows experience. Essentially, this type of interface allows users to work with multiple documents simultaneously. For example, an end user may have both two spreadsheets and two word processing documents open and resized to fit side by side on a computer monitor screen. This allows the user to easily move back and forth between the two different documents.

The multiple document interface is very similar to the Windows desktop interface which allows the user to line up multiple application windows on the desktop. With the desktop interface, the user can have an inbox, word processing document, and spreadsheet open at the same time. The multi-document interface allows for the same kind of functionality, only within the confines of a certain application called the client area.

The actual multi-document interfacing process involves what is known as a parent and child environment. In essence, the document application functions properly as a parent and provides viewing space for individual documents. Every open document is viewable in what is known as a child window. You can reduce the size of child windows so that more windows can be displayed at the same time. This allows the user to cut and paste data from one document to another with minimal effort.

The ability to view multiple documents can be effective in performing work-related tasks. The multi-document interface can also be useful in environments where a web conferencing tool is used to share a desktop. The web meeting moderator can use this function to share multiple documents with the conference participants, effectively allowing everyone to see the open window of the common application.

Another example of an MDI application is the ability to view two versions of the same presentation side-by-side. This capability can be very useful when drafting a response to a request for proposal. By having the RFP open in one window and the response document open in a second window, it is much easier to follow the preferred format of the request and therefore increase the chances of providing specific responses in the order and structure required.




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