Summary

In this chapter, you got an overview of the VID dialect for making graphical applications. First, we made a VID version of our download exchange rate app, to see how to use different faces in the view block. We discussed the different options for view for making special windows, and the layout commands such as below, return, and at to structure your screens.

Then, we guided you through a tour of the faces available, such as text, field, button, check, drop-list, panel, tab-panel, slider, menus, and so on. To really build dynamic screens, you have to use actors on these different faces. You learned how to code them, combine multiple actors on one face, detect keys, and make timed events. We also gave an example of how you can start building more complicated maintenance apps. Finally, you got an introduction to the very powerful draw dialect, which enables you to draw 2D shapes and animations.