Next: False Colour Image Display and
Up: General Principles And Common Features
Previous: Graphical forms
At the top of the display is the ``prompt'' describing the type of file to be entered. The line underneath shows the current directory and this text will change if the directory is changed. Underneath, on the left hand side is the ``UP DIRECTORY'' button which allows the directory tree to be mounted. The sub-directories of the current directory, if any, are displayed in a region on the left of the window and any files are displayed on the right. Both, when present, are displayed in blue writing on a yellow background (i.e. active), and if more directories of files are present than can be displayed ``scroll'' buttons appear to allow the list to be scrolled. Clicking on a directory name will change the current directory, and a new list of sub-directories and files will be displayed.
As well as the directory and file selection regions, there is a region for text input. The text is displayed at the bottom of the window. Thus, rather than clicking on a displayed file name it is possible to enter file names from the keyboard. The <ENTER> (or <RETURN>) key is used to complete entry of the name. If a valid file name is entered then this will be the selected file. If a valid directory name is entered, then the directory will be changed and a new set of files and sub-directories will be displayed. The <TAB> key may be used for automatic file name completion. Pressing the <TAB> key will search for possible completions of the entered text. If only one file or directory is possible, then this will be automatically selected. In case that more than one completion is possible then common characters will be automatically completed as far as possible. Immediately using the <TAB> key again will update the lists of files and directories which are possible completions of the file name. (Note: when this file completion facility is used, any filters or type matching (see below) is ignored.)
Additionally the following buttons follow the directory list:
Having selected a file FIT2D will try to use the file extension to determine the data format. If the file extension is of a number of ``known'' types the appropriate input code will automatically be tried. e.g. The Molecular Dynamics image plate scanners save files with the extension gel, so all such files are read in automatically. If a file type is unknown, then a menu of available input formats is displayed, and the user can click on the correct format, or the CANCEL button if none are suitable. (The BINARY input type allows a very wide range of file types to be input, so long as the user knows the basic details of the format.)
Andy Hammersley