Ch. 3: Using GUI objects and the Visual Studio IDE

proportional font

A font in which different characters have different pitches or width.

fixed-pitch font

A font in which each character occupies the same width.

monospaced font

A font in which each character occupies the same width.

access specifier

A keyword that dictates what outside classes can use a method.

orphaned method

A method that never executes an application, and thus serves no purpose.

node

An icon that appears beside a list or a section of code and that can be expanded or condensed.

labels

Controls that you use to display text to communicate with an application's user.

textBoxes

Controls through which a user can enter input sdata in a GUI application.

controls

Devices such as labels, text boxes, and buttons that users can manipulate to communicate with a GUI program.

forms

GUI objects that provide an interface for collecting, displaying, and delivering information.

Error list

In the IDE, it displays messages about compiler errors in your code.

main menu

In the IDE, it lies horizontally across the top of the window, and includes submenus that list additional options.

Toolbox tab

In the IDE, it provides lists of controls that can be dragged onto a Form so that you can develop programs visually, using a mouse.

Properties window

In the IDE, it provides the means to configure properties and events on controls in your user interface.

Solution Explorer

In the IDE, it provides the means to view and manage project files and settings.

Form Designer

In the IDE, the area where you design applications visually.

event

It causes a program to perform a task.

interface

The environment a user sees when a program executes.

click event

The event generated when a user clicks a control in a GUI program.

run time

The period of time during which a program executes.

design time

The period of time during which a programmer designs the interface and writes the code.

code refactoring

The process of changing a program's internal structure without changing the way the program works.

tab order

The sequence of controls selected when the user presses the Tab key.

focus

This describes the attribute of a Form control that stands out visually from the others and that reacts to keyboard input.