The selection model determines how elements are selected from a group of elements. This chapter describes the selection models that are used by the various components of an application. OSF/Motif compliant applications use an object-action selection model. In an object-action selection model, the user first selects an object and then performs an action on it. The object-action selection model mimics real life, so it is a familiar process to the user and increases the user's sense of control over applications.
Objects include not only recognizable objects like windows, PushButtons, and List elements, but also component elements that are not always recognized as discrete objects, like individual letters of a text file. Applications can also treat a group of elements as a single element, either in a contiguous range or as a noncontiguous group. This chapter describes the following topics: