This paper describes the ViewKit library, a C++ application
framework designed to simplify the task of developing applications
based on the OSF/Motif`user interface toolkit. The ViewKit
framework promotes consistency by providing a common architecture
for applications and improves programmer productivity by providing
high-level, and in many cases automatic, support for commonly-needed
operations. In addition to providing facilities normally associated
with a graphical user interface, the framework serves as a central
integration platform for other facilities applications typically
need. These include support for inter-application communication,
the use of audio as an integral part of the application's user
interface, integration with the Silicon Graphics desktop, and
automatic on-line context-sensitive help. The ViewKit framework is
currently in wide use within SGI and serves as the basis of all
CASEVision` software development products, the IRIS InSight` on-line
documentation product, as well as other upcoming SGI software
products.
This paper is divided into the following sections:
