Dynamic window configuration in an object oriented programming environment

A tool that provides a generic interface window to help users to construct new window types or modify existing window types (e.g. add subviews or extend their functionalities) is presented. The interface window allows the users to specify the configuration and the attributes of a window interactively and permits users to test its functionality by manipulating it directly. It relieves the users from the burden of thinking about the windowing details at the construction or modification of a window. It further encourages the exploration of more design alternatives for windows so that users can prototype and evaluate various window configurations easily to determine the one that will be adapted into the application. With this tool, the construction of new window types and the modification of existing window types become easy and flexible. The windows evolved in such a programming environment can thus be experimented with and tailored to suit the needs of the user