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In [[computing]] and [[telecommunication]]s, a '''menu''' is a list of commands presented to an operator by a [[computer]] or [[communications system]]. They may be thought of as ''shortcuts'' to frequently used commands that avoid the operator having to have a detailed knowledge or recall of syntax. |
In [[computing]] and [[telecommunication]]s, a '''menu''' is a list of commands presented to an operator by a [[computer]] or [[communications system]]. They may be thought of as ''shortcuts'' to frequently used commands that avoid the operator having to have a detailed knowledge or recall of syntax. A menu is used in contrast to a [[command line interface]] where instructions to the computer are given in the form of commands (or verbs). |
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Choices given from a menu may be selected by the operator by a number of methods (called [[interfaces]]): |
Choices given from a menu may be selected by the operator by a number of methods (called [[interfaces]]): |
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*positioning a [[cursor (computers)|cursor]] or reverse-[[video]] bar by using a [[Computer keyboard|keyboard]] or [[computer mouse|mouse]] |
*positioning a [[cursor (computers)|cursor]] or reverse-[[video]] bar by using a [[Computer keyboard|keyboard]] or [[computer mouse|mouse]] |
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*depressing one or more keys on the [[keyboard]] or [[mouse]]. |
*depressing one or more keys on the [[keyboard]] or [[mouse]]. |
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[[Image:Windows XP GUI.JPG|thumb|right|300px|In the Windows XP graphical user interface, Music tasks and File and Folder tasks listed on the left side are types of ''menus'']] |
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A computer using a [[graphical user interface]] presents menus |
A computer using a [[graphical user interface]] presents menus with a combination of text and symbols to represent choices. By ''clicking'' on one of the symbols, the operator is selecting the instruction that the symbol represents. A ''[[context menu]]'' is a menu in which the choices presented to the operator are automatically modified according to the current context in which the operator is working. |
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A common use of menus is to provide convenient access to various operations such as saving or opening a file, quitting a program, or manipulating data. Most [[widget toolkit]]s provide some form of pull-down or pop-up menu. Pull-down menus are the type commonly used in menu bars (usually near the top of a window or screen), which are most often used for performing actions, whereas pop-up menus are more likely to be used for setting a value, and might appear anywhere in a window. |
A common use of menus is to provide convenient access to various operations such as saving or opening a file, quitting a program, or manipulating data. Most [[widget toolkit]]s provide some form of pull-down or pop-up menu. Pull-down menus are the type commonly used in menu bars (usually near the top of a window or screen), which are most often used for performing actions, whereas pop-up menus are more likely to be used for setting a value, and might appear anywhere in a window. |
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Revision as of 10:44, 14 October 2005
In computing and telecommunications, a menu is a list of commands presented to an operator by a computer or communications system. They may be thought of as shortcuts to frequently used commands that avoid the operator having to have a detailed knowledge or recall of syntax. A menu is used in contrast to a command line interface where instructions to the computer are given in the form of commands (or verbs).
Choices given from a menu may be selected by the operator by a number of methods (called interfaces):
- using an electromechanical pointer, such as a light pen
- touching the display screen with a finger
- speaking to a voice-recognition system
- positioning a cursor or reverse-video bar by using a keyboard or mouse
- depressing one or more keys on the keyboard or mouse.
A computer using a graphical user interface presents menus with a combination of text and symbols to represent choices. By clicking on one of the symbols, the operator is selecting the instruction that the symbol represents. A context menu is a menu in which the choices presented to the operator are automatically modified according to the current context in which the operator is working.
A common use of menus is to provide convenient access to various operations such as saving or opening a file, quitting a program, or manipulating data. Most widget toolkits provide some form of pull-down or pop-up menu. Pull-down menus are the type commonly used in menu bars (usually near the top of a window or screen), which are most often used for performing actions, whereas pop-up menus are more likely to be used for setting a value, and might appear anywhere in a window.
According to traditional human interface guidelines, menu names were always supposed to be verbs, such as "file" "edit" and so on. This has been largely ignored in subsequent UI developments. A single word verb however is sometimes unclear, and so as to allow for multiple word menu names, the idea of a vertical menu was invented, as seen in NeXTSTEP.
See also
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