Issues with previous graphic environments - (Reasons for Otk)

• Unequal support across platforms - Some graphics toolkits do not support all platforms, or support is non-uniform. On some platforms, compilation is more difficult to set up, not as well documented/supported, and/or each client user must install additional library files. Others require a special language such as Java which is incompatible with software in other languages such as C or C++. In many, the look and feel of an application's GUI will not appear identical. Fonts may not be available, or render in different sizes on different platforms, ruining intended appearance.

• Complexity to the application programmer - Many graphics environments require multiple lines of code to merely add a text label, a button, or a form box. Why? Perhaps previous libraries were created with great modularity from the viewpoint of the library creator. But what about the application programmers who must use it repeatedly?

• Large complex libraries - Many graphics environments require large directories of library and object files, and or multiple include-files.

• Awkward layout control - Many graphics environments are based on framework or pixel coordinates which either limit layout freedom or cause tricky resize headaches.

• Limited or awkward color management - Some environments assume a rather complex indirect color index table method. Colors must be allocated and referenced by indices. The number of available colors are often limited and not guaranteed to be available on a given platform.

Original Complaints / Remdies . . .

Some Complaints about Graphics Libraries:

• Ridiculously complex to use/understand.
            Remedy: Simpler API.

• Lack of layout flexibility.   Awkward layout specification.
            Remedy: Direct layout specification.

• Fonts and sizes are different between diffent computers. Means that text does not always fit within panels, etc., on some user's screens, even though the developer had carefully laid everything out on hers.
            Remedy: Self-contained exact-fonts. Gauranteed to be available and look the same on all user screens.

• Limited choice of fonts and styles.
            Remedy: Paramterizable font style. Any thickness, size, slant.

• Difficulty/complexity in selecting or changing fonts.
            Remedy: Simple font control.

• Risk of fonts not being available on user computers. (Ie. so you had to restrict yourself to a few fonts and sizes which most likely would exist on most computers.)
            Remedy: Self-contained exact-font.

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