To understand how stylebits can modify a window, it's important to first understand what the traditional window looks like and how it behaves. Generally speaking, a window is distinguishable from the rest of the screen by its borders. The borders create a box.
Open"My Window"for Window as #1
Print #1, "Trapclose [closeWindow]"
Wait
[closeWindow]
Close #1
End
Types of Windows
The Liberty BASIC Help File identifies these four types of windows created using native LB commands:
WINDOW - the most common and the most useful, used to hold controls, can include one or more menus, can trap TAB key to move focus from one control to another.
GRAPHICS - designed to display graphics and sprites, not intended to hold controls, can trap mouse clicks and character key presses.
DIALOG - similar to the traditional window, can contain controls, cannot contain menus, can trap ENTER key as a special button to direct action. When displayed as "modal," the dialog window remain in focus until closed. (The prompt, notice and confirm windows are special dialog modal windows.
TEXT - Limited to writing and editing text, always contain a menubar that contains a read-made File Menu and a ready-made Edit Menu. (The Mainwindow is a Text Window.
There are many native variations of these four windows. See the Helpfile for variations such as full screen (_fs), _nf (no sizing frame), no scroll bars (_nsb), no titlebar (_popup), among others.
Elements of a Window
For an explanation of the parts of a window, visit this tutorial.
As well as the borders of the window box, the typical window contains a blue title bar along its top. The windows constant for the border is WS_BORDER and for the title bar is WS_CAPTION. The window icon, the small picture located in the left portion of the title bar is referred to as WS_SYSMENU. Double-clicking this icon reveals the window menu (Restore, Move, Size, Minimize, Maximize, Close). In addition, there are three buttons located in the right portion of the title bar. They are
the minimize button or WS_MINIMIZEBOX
the maximize button or WS_MAXIMIZEBOX
the trapclose button.
Using Window Styles Constants in Your Program
Window styling changes have long been available in Liberty BASIC using the API calls SendMessageLong. Liberty BASIC v4.x offers the programmer the opportunity to modify these styles using the native command STYLEBITS. Stylebits commands are used to access or change the style and attributes of a window and other controls. There are two categories of styles: standard and extended.
Extended attributes resulted from newer CreateWindwoEX functions so they are more useful in adding qualities rather than removing qualities. Both categories are represented as flags in 32 - bit integers. These styles must be applied to the window and / or controls before the gui is opened.
The stylebits of any particular window and the controls of that window may not be altered after the window is opened except, in some but not all cases, with API calls.
From the Liberty BASIC v4.01 Help File stylebits #handle, addBits, removeBits, addExtendedBits, removeExtendedBits
STYLEBITS allows you to change the style of a Liberty BASIC window or control. It accepts a handle and four parameters. When the window is opened it checks to see if there are style bits for the window or for any controls. If there is a STYLEBITS command it applies the remove bits first, then applies the add bits. In this way the control is created from the get-go with the desired style. The STYLEBITS command must be issued before the command to open the window.
Most often you can recognize whether a stylebit is standard (dwStyle) or extended (dwExStyle) by its Window Constant. The stylebit WS_CAPTION can be passed as the first (addBits) or second (removeBits) parameter, while the stylebit WS_EX_TOPMOST is passed as either the third (addExtendedBits) or fourth (removeExtendedBits) parameter. Liberty BASIC recognizes window constants by placing an additional underscore immediately in front of the constant, e.g, _WS_CAPTION. Run this demo to see how window attributes can be both added and removed.
'This Demo opens up to five independent windows. The windows
'will be placed side by side for visual comparison. The left (primary)
'window is opened 'as is' with no Stylebits assigned. The
'right windows show windows with attributes either added
'or removed by the use of the Stylebits command.
'This demo requires Liberty BASIC v4.x or greater.
Nomainwin
If Val(Version$) < 4 Then
Notice "This program requires Liberty BASIC V4.0 or greater"EndEndIf'The main (left) window - No stylebits assigned
WindowWidth = 300
WindowHeight = 350
UpperLeftX = 50
UpperLeftY = 100
Statictext #main.0a, "No Stylebits commands have been used in this window", 20, 10, 260, 40
Statictext #main.0b, "Click on any of the buttons to see Stylebits in action", 20, 50, 260, 40
Button #main.1, "addBits: Vertical Scroll Bar", [parameter1], UL, 15, 120, 270, 30
Button #main.2, "removeBits: Maximize Button", [parameter2], UL, 15, 160, 270, 30
Button #main.3, "addExtendedBits: Sunken Edge Border", [parameter3], UL, 15, 200, 270, 30
Button #main.4, "removeExtendedBits: No Demo", [parameter4], UL, 15, 240, 270, 30
Button #main.5, "See All 3 Stylebits Commands", [parameterAll], UL, 15, 280, 270, 30
Open"The Window - AS IS"for Window as #main
Print #main, "Trapclose [endDemo]"Print #main, "Font Times_New_Roman 12 Bold"
Wait
[parameter1]
'addBits: Add a vertical scroll bar to the window
WindowWidth = 300
WindowHeight = 350
UpperLeftX = 400
UpperLeftY = 100
Stylebits #1, _WS_VSCROLL, 0, 0, 0
Statictext #1.0a, "A regular window does not normally include a vertical scroll bar.", 20, 10, 260, 40
Statictext #1.0b, "The Stylebits (1st parameter) has ADDED this feature.", 20, 50, 260, 40
Statictext #1.1, "addBits: Vertical Scroll Bar", 15, 120, 270, 20
Statictext #1.2, "Stylebits #1, _WS_VSCROLL, 0, 0, 0", 15, 160, 270, 40
Button #1.3, "Close", [close1], UL, 120, 250
Open"addBits: Vertical Scroll Bar"for Window as #1
Print #1, "Trapclose [close1]"Print #1, "Font Times_New_Roman 12 Bold"
window1 = 1
Wait
[close1]
Close #1
window1 = 0
Wait
[parameter2]
'removeBits: Remove the maximize button
WindowWidth = 300
WindowHeight = 350
UpperLeftX = 400
UpperLeftY = 100
Stylebits #2, 0, _WS_MAXIMIZEBOX, 0, 0
Statictext #2.0a, "A regular window contains a maximize button", 20, 10, 260, 40
Statictext #2.0b, "The Stylebits (2nd parameter) has REMOVED this feature.", 20, 50, 260, 40
Statictext #2.1, "removeBits: Maximize Window", 15, 120, 270, 20
Statictext #2.2, "Stylebits #2, 0, _WS_MAXIMIZEBOX, 0, 0", 15, 160, 270, 40
Button #2.3, "Close", [close2], UL, 120, 250
Open"removeBits: Maximize Window"for Window as #2
Print #2, "Trapclose [close2]"Print #2, "Font Times_New_Roman 12 Bold"
window2 = 1
Wait
[close2]
Close #2
window2 = 0
Wait
[parameter3]
'addExtendedBits: Add Sunken Edge Border
WindowWidth = 300
WindowHeight = 350
UpperLeftX = 400
UpperLeftY = 100
Stylebits #3, 0, 0, _WS_EX_CLIENTEDGE, 0
Statictext #3.0a, "A regular window has smooth resizable edges.", 20, 10, 260, 40
Statictext #3.0b, "The Stylebits (3rd parameter) has altered the edges.", 20, 50, 260, 40
Statictext #3.1, "addExtendedBits: Sunken Edge Border", 15, 120, 270, 20
Statictext #3.2, "Stylebits #3, 0, 0, _WS_EX_CLIENTEDGE, 0", 15, 160, 270, 40
Button #3.3, "Close", [close3], UL, 120, 250
Open"addExtendedBits: Sunken Edge Border"for Window as #3
Print #3, "Trapclose [close3]"Print #3, "Font Times_New_Roman 12 Bold"
window3 = 1
Wait
[close3]
Close #3
window3 = 0
Wait
[parameter4]
'removeExtendedBits: No Demo
WindowWidth = 300
WindowHeight = 350
UpperLeftX = 400
UpperLeftY = 100
Stylebits #4, 0, 0, 0, 0 'No Extended Bits to remove
Statictext #4.0a, "The extended bits are generally added.", 20, 10, 260, 40
Statictext #4.0b, "There is no demo for removing extended bits.", 20, 50, 260, 40
Statictext #4.1, "addExtendedBits: No Demo", 15, 120, 270, 20
Statictext #4.2, "Stylebits #3, 0, 0, 0, 0", 15, 160, 270, 40
Button #4.3, "Close", [close4], UL, 120, 250
Open"removeExtendedBits: No Changes"for Window as #4
Print #4, "Trapclose [close4]"Print #4, "Font Times_New_Roman 12 Bold"
window4 = 1
Wait
[close4]
Close #4
window4 = 0
Wait
[parameterAll]
'All 3 Stylebits Combined in the Same Window
WindowWidth = 300
WindowHeight = 350
UpperLeftX = 400
UpperLeftY = 100
Stylebits #5, _WS_VSCROLL, _WS_MAXIMIZEBOX, _WS_EX_CLIENTEDGE, 0
Statictext #5.0a, "This window has all 3 stylebits applied.", 20, 10, 260, 40
Statictext #5.0b, "No removeExtendedBits has been applied.", 20, 50, 260, 40
Statictext #5.1, "Stylebits: #1, #2, and #3 combined", 15, 120, 270, 20
Statictext #5.2, "Stylebits #5, _WS_VSCROLL, _WS_MAXIMIZEBOX, _WS_EX_CLIENTEDGE, 0", 15, 160, 270, 60
Button #5.3, "Close", [close5], UL, 120, 250
Open"removeExtendedBits: No Changes"for Window as #5
Print #5, "Trapclose [close5]"Print #5, "Font Times_New_Roman 12 Bold"
window5 = 1
Wait
[close5]
Close #5
window5 = 0
Wait
[endDemo]
If window1 = 1 ThenClose #1
If window2 = 1 ThenClose #2
If window3 = 1 ThenClose #3
If window4 = 1 ThenClose #4
If window5 = 1 ThenClose #5
Close #main
End
It is sometimes desirable to add two or more stylebit parameters. The window constants can be combined using the logical boolean OR conjunction. This next demo first opens a normal window, then opens a second window that
cannot be maximized: uses the removeBits (2nd parameter) _WS_MAXIMIZEBOX
cannot be minimized: uses the removeBits (2nd parameter) _WS_MINIMIZEBOX
has sunken edge borders: uses the addExtendedBits (3rd parameter) _WS_EX_CLIENTEDGE
stays on top even when not active window: uses the addExtendedBits (3rd parameter) _WS_EX_TOPMOST
'This Demo opens up to two independent windows. The windows
'will be placed side by side for visual comparison. The left (primary)
'window is opened 'as is' with no Stylebits assigned. The
'right window demonstrates
'cannot be maximized: uses the removeBits (2nd parameter) _WS_MAXIMIZEBOX
'cannot be minimized: uses the removeBits (2nd parameter) _WS_MINIMIZEBOX
'has sunken edge borders: uses the addExtendedBits (3rd parameter) _WS_EX_CLIENTEDGE
'stays on top even when not active window: uses the addExtendedBits (3rd parameter) _WS_EX_TOPMOST
'This demo requires Liberty BASIC v4.x or greater.
Nomainwin
If Val(Version$) < 4 Then
Notice "This program requires Liberty BASIC V4.0 or greater"EndEndIf
[noStylebits]
WindowWidth = 300
WindowHeight = 350
UpperLeftX = 50
UpperLeftY = 100
Statictext #1.1, "No Stylebits commands have been used in this window", 20, 10, 260, 40
Statictext #1.2, "Drag this window 'over' the second window to see the effects of the", 20, 110, 260,40
Statictext #1.3, "_WS_EX_TOPMOST stylebits command", 20, 150, 260, 40
Open"The Window - AS IS"for Window as #1
Print #1, "Trapclose [close1]"Print #1, "Font Times_New_Roman 12 Bold"
window1 = 1
[multipleStylebits]
WindowWidth = 300
WindowHeight = 350
UpperLeftX = 400
UpperLeftY = 100
Stylebits #2, 0, _WS_MAXIMIZEBOX or _WS_MINIMIZEBOX, _WS_EX_CLIENTEDGE or _WS_EX_TOPMOST, 0
sbText$ = "_WS_MAXIMIZEBOX or _WS_MINIMIZEBOX, _WS_EX_CLIENTEDGE or _WS_EX_TOPMOST, 0"
Statictext #2.1, "Try to Maximize or Minimize this Window", 20, 10, 260, 40
Statictext #2.2, "Click and drag this window around.", 20, 50, 260, 40
Statictext #2.3, "Notice the sunken border edges.", 20, 90, 260, 40
Statictext #2.4, "Stylebits #2, ";sbText$, 15, 160, 260, 80
Statictext #2.5, "2 or more parameters joined with OR", 15, 260, 260, 40
Open"Combining Stylebits Parameters Using OR"for Window as #2
Print #2, "Trapclose [close2]"Print #2, "Font Times_New_Roman 12 Bold"
window2 = 1
Wait
[close1]
Close #1
window1 = 0
If window2 = 0 ThenEnd
Wait
[close2]
Close #2
window2 = 0
If window1 = 0 ThenEnd
Wait
Stylebits, of both dwStyle and dwExStyle, can be assigned to other types of windows and most controls (buttons, textboxes, listboxes, statictext, etc.). Texteditors are not readily modifiable with Stylebits. The helpfile states that since the texteditor is not a native Windows control you will only be able to do things like tweak its border and perhaps a few other things.
A List of Stylebits
You can get a list of all dwStyles and dwExStyles available with the Stylebits command at the MSDN Library Center.
JanetTerra
Jun 18, 2006
Defining the Window
To understand how stylebits can modify a window, it's important to first understand what the traditional window looks like and how it behaves. Generally speaking, a window is distinguishable from the rest of the screen by its borders. The borders create a box.
Types of Windows
The Liberty BASIC Help File identifies these four types of windows created using native LB commands:
WINDOW - the most common and the most useful, used to hold controls, can include one or more menus, can trap TAB key to move focus from one control to another.
GRAPHICS - designed to display graphics and sprites, not intended to hold controls, can trap mouse clicks and character key presses.
DIALOG - similar to the traditional window, can contain controls, cannot contain menus, can trap ENTER key as a special button to direct action. When displayed as "modal," the dialog window remain in focus until closed. (The prompt, notice and confirm windows are special dialog modal windows.
TEXT - Limited to writing and editing text, always contain a menubar that contains a read-made File Menu and a ready-made Edit Menu. (The Mainwindow is a Text Window.
There are many native variations of these four windows. See the Helpfile for variations such as full screen (_fs), _nf (no sizing frame), no scroll bars (_nsb), no titlebar (_popup), among others.
Elements of a Window
For an explanation of the parts of a window, visit this tutorial.
As well as the borders of the window box, the typical window contains a blue title bar along its top. The windows constant for the border is WS_BORDER and for the title bar is WS_CAPTION. The window icon, the small picture located in the left portion of the title bar is referred to as WS_SYSMENU. Double-clicking this icon reveals the window menu (Restore, Move, Size, Minimize, Maximize, Close). In addition, there are three buttons located in the right portion of the title bar. They are
Using Window Styles Constants in Your Program
Window styling changes have long been available in Liberty BASIC using the API calls SendMessageLong. Liberty BASIC v4.x offers the programmer the opportunity to modify these styles using the native command STYLEBITS. Stylebits commands are used to access or change the style and attributes of a window and other controls. There are two categories of styles: standard and extended.
Extended attributes resulted from newer CreateWindwoEX functions so they are more useful in adding qualities rather than removing qualities. Both categories are represented as flags in 32 - bit integers. These styles must be applied to the window and / or controls before the gui is opened.
The stylebits of any particular window and the controls of that window may not be altered after the window is opened except, in some but not all cases, with API calls.
From the Liberty BASIC v4.01 Help File
stylebits #handle, addBits, removeBits, addExtendedBits, removeExtendedBits
STYLEBITS allows you to change the style of a Liberty BASIC window or control. It accepts a handle and four parameters. When the window is opened it checks to see if there are style bits for the window or for any controls. If there is a STYLEBITS command it applies the remove bits first, then applies the add bits. In this way the control is created from the get-go with the desired style. The STYLEBITS command must be issued before the command to open the window.
Most often you can recognize whether a stylebit is standard (dwStyle) or extended (dwExStyle) by its Window Constant. The stylebit WS_CAPTION can be passed as the first (addBits) or second (removeBits) parameter, while the stylebit WS_EX_TOPMOST is passed as either the third (addExtendedBits) or fourth (removeExtendedBits) parameter. Liberty BASIC recognizes window constants by placing an additional underscore immediately in front of the constant, e.g, _WS_CAPTION. Run this demo to see how window attributes can be both added and removed.
It is sometimes desirable to add two or more stylebit parameters. The window constants can be combined using the logical boolean OR conjunction. This next demo first opens a normal window, then opens a second window that
Stylebits, of both dwStyle and dwExStyle, can be assigned to other types of windows and most controls (buttons, textboxes, listboxes, statictext, etc.). Texteditors are not readily modifiable with Stylebits. The helpfile states that since the texteditor is not a native Windows control you will only be able to do things like tweak its border and perhaps a few other things.
A List of Stylebits
You can get a list of all dwStyles and dwExStyles available with the Stylebits command at the MSDN Library Center.