# [
](https://github.com/AndyObtiva/glimmer) Glimmer DSL for SWT 4.18.3.4
## JRuby Desktop Development GUI Framework
[](http://badge.fury.io/rb/glimmer-dsl-swt)
[](https://travis-ci.com/github/AndyObtiva/glimmer-dsl-swt)
[](https://coveralls.io/github/AndyObtiva/glimmer-dsl-swt?branch=master)
[](https://codeclimate.com/github/AndyObtiva/glimmer-dsl-swt/maintainability)
[](https://gitter.im/AndyObtiva/glimmer?utm_source=badge&utm_medium=badge&utm_campaign=pr-badge&utm_content=badge)
**[Contributors Wanted! (Submit a Glimmer App Sample to Get Started)](#contributing)**
[Glimmer DSL for SWT](https://github.com/AndyObtiva/glimmer) is a native-GUI cross-platform desktop development library written in [JRuby](https://www.jruby.org/), an OS-threaded faster JVM version of [Ruby](https://www.ruby-lang.org/en/). [Glimmer](https://github.com/AndyObtiva/glimmer)'s main innovation is a declarative [Ruby DSL](#glimmer-dsl-syntax) that enables productive and efficient authoring of desktop application user-interfaces by relying on the robust [Eclipse SWT library](https://www.eclipse.org/swt/). [Glimmer](https://rubygems.org/gems/glimmer) additionally innovates by having built-in [data-binding](#data-binding) support, which greatly facilitates synchronizing the GUI with domain models, thus achieving true decoupling of object oriented components and enabling developers to solve business problems (test-first) without worrying about GUI concerns, or alternatively drive development GUI-first, and then write clean business models (test-first) afterwards. Not only does Glimmer provide a large set of GUI [widgets](#widgets), but it also supports drawing Canvas Graphics like [Shapes](#canvas-shape-dsl) and [Animations](#canvas-animation-dsl). To get started quickly, [Glimmer](https://rubygems.org/gems/glimmer) s [scaffolding](#scaffolding) options for [Apps](#in-production), [Gems](#custom-shell-gem), and [Custom Widgets](#custom-widgets). [Glimmer](https://rubygems.org/gems/glimmer) also includes native-executable [packaging](#packaging--distribution) support, sorely lacking in other libraries, thus enabling the delivery of desktop apps written in [Ruby](https://www.ruby-lang.org/en/) as truly native DMG/PKG/APP files on the [Mac](https://www.apple.com/ca/macos) + [App Store](https://developer.apple.com/macos/distribution/), MSI/EXE files on [Windows](https://www.microsoft.com/en-ca/windows), and [Gem Packaged Shell Scripts](#custom-shell-gem) on [Linux](https://www.linux.org/).
[Glimmer receives two updates per month](https://rubygems.org/gems/glimmer-dsl-swt/versions). You can trust [Glimmer](https://rubygems.org/gems/glimmer) with your Ruby desktop GUI development needs. Please make [Glimmer](https://rubygems.org/gems/glimmer) even better by providing feedback and [contributing](#contributing) when possible.
Gem version numbers are in sync with the SWT library versions. The first two digits represent the SWT version number. The last two digits represent the minor and patch versions of Glimmer DSL for SWT.
[Glimmer DSL for SWT](https://rubygems.org/gems/glimmer-dsl-swt) versions 4.18.x.y come with [SWT 4.18](https://download.eclipse.org/eclipse/downloads/drops4/R-4.18-202012021800/), which was released on December 2, 2020.
[
Featured in JRuby Cookbook](http://shop.oreilly.com/product/9780596519650.do) and [Chalmers/Gothenburg University Software Engineering Master's Lecture Material](http://www.cse.chalmers.se/~bergert/slides/guest_lecture_DSLs.pdf)
Glimmer DSL gems:
- [glimmer-dsl-swt](https://github.com/AndyObtiva/glimmer-dsl-swt): Glimmer DSL for SWT (JRuby Desktop Development GUI Framework)
- [glimmer-dsl-opal](https://github.com/AndyObtiva/glimmer-dsl-opal): Glimmer DSL for Opal (Pure Ruby Web GUI and Auto-Webifier of Desktop Apps)
- [glimmer-dsl-xml](https://github.com/AndyObtiva/glimmer-dsl-xml): Glimmer DSL for XML (& HTML)
- [glimmer-dsl-css](https://github.com/AndyObtiva/glimmer-dsl-css): Glimmer DSL for CSS
- [glimmer-dsl-tk](https://github.com/AndyObtiva/glimmer-dsl-tk): Glimmer DSL for Tk (MRI Ruby Desktop Development GUI Library)
## Examples
### Hello, World!
Glimmer code (from [samples/hello/hello_world.rb](samples/hello/hello_world.rb)):
```ruby
include Glimmer
shell {
text "Glimmer"
label {
text "Hello, World!"
}
}.open
```
Run via `glimmer samples` or directly:
```
glimmer samples/hello/hello_world.rb
```
Glimmer app:
### Tic Tac Toe
Glimmer code (from [samples/elaborate/tic_tac_toe.rb](samples/elaborate/tic_tac_toe.rb)):
```ruby
# ...
@shell = shell {
text "Tic-Tac-Toe"
minimum_size 150, 178
composite {
grid_layout 3, true
(1..3).each { |row|
(1..3).each { |column|
button {
layout_data :fill, :fill, true, true
text bind(@tic_tac_toe_board[row, column], :sign)
enabled bind(@tic_tac_toe_board[row, column], :empty)
font style: :bold, height: 20
on_widget_selected {
@tic_tac_toe_board.mark(row, column)
}
}
}
}
}
}
# ...
```
Run via `glimmer samples` or directly:
```
glimmer samples/elaborate/tic_tac_toe.rb
```
Glimmer app:
### Contact Manager
Glimmer code (from [samples/elaborate/contact_manager.rb](samples/elaborate/contact_manager.rb)):
```ruby
# ...
shell {
text "Contact Manager"
composite {
group {
grid_layout(2, false) {
margin_width 0
margin_height 0
}
layout_data :fill, :center, true, false
text 'Lookup Contacts'
font height: 24
label {
layout_data :right, :center, false, false
text "First &Name: "
font height: 16
}
text {
layout_data :fill, :center, true, false
text bind(@contact_manager_presenter, :first_name)
on_key_pressed {|key_event|
@contact_manager_presenter.find if key_event.keyCode == swt(:cr)
}
}
label {
layout_data :right, :center, false, false
text "&Last Name: "
font height: 16
}
text {
layout_data :fill, :center, true, false
text bind(@contact_manager_presenter, :last_name)
on_key_pressed {|key_event|
@contact_manager_presenter.find if key_event.keyCode == swt(:cr)
}
}
label {
layout_data :right, :center, false, false
text "&Email: "
font height: 16
}
text {
layout_data :fill, :center, true, false
text bind(@contact_manager_presenter, :email)
on_key_pressed {|key_event|
@contact_manager_presenter.find if key_event.keyCode == swt(:cr)
}
}
composite {
row_layout {
margin_width 0
margin_height 0
}
layout_data(:right, :center, false, false) {
horizontal_span 2
}
button {
text "&Find"
on_widget_selected { @contact_manager_presenter.find }
on_key_pressed {|key_event|
@contact_manager_presenter.find if key_event.keyCode == swt(:cr)
}
}
button {
text "&List All"
on_widget_selected { @contact_manager_presenter.list }
on_key_pressed {|key_event|
@contact_manager_presenter.list if key_event.keyCode == swt(:cr)
}
}
}
}
table(:multi) { |table_proxy|
layout_data {
horizontal_alignment :fill
vertical_alignment :fill
grab_excess_horizontal_space true
grab_excess_vertical_space true
height_hint 200
}
table_column {
text "First Name"
width 80
}
table_column {
text "Last Name"
width 80
}
table_column {
text "Email"
width 200
}
items bind(@contact_manager_presenter, :results),
column_properties(:first_name, :last_name, :email)
on_mouse_up { |event|
table_proxy.edit_table_item(event.table_item, event.column_index)
}
}
}
}.open
# ...
```
Run via `glimmer samples` or directly:
```
glimmer samples/elaborate/contact_manager.rb
```
Glimmer App:
### Desktop Apps Built with Glimmer DSL for SWT
[
Are We There Yet?](https://github.com/AndyObtiva/are-we-there-yet) - Small Project Tracking App
[](https://github.com/AndyObtiva/are-we-there-yet)
[
Math Bowling](https://github.com/AndyObtiva/MathBowling) - Elementary Level Math Game Featuring Bowling Rules
[](https://github.com/AndyObtiva/MathBowling)
**Note:** I offer Glimmer DSL for SWT as a free and open-source [Ruby Gem](https://rubygems.org/gems/glimmer-dsl-swt) that represents my interests in Ruby Programming, Desktop GUI application development with SWT, Object Oriented Design, Design Patterns, and Software Architecture.
Additionally, I am sharing my professional experience and expertise in Eclipse SWT given that I am an [EclipseCon](http://andymaleh.blogspot.com/2007/03/eclipsecon-2007-day-3.html)/[EclipseWorld](http://andymaleh.blogspot.com/2008/11/eclipseworld-2008-highlights.html) presenter and have built professional applications in SWT/JFace/RCP for Obtiva and the Pampered Chef in the past. This is also done in the hopes that it would indirectly bring me work in a field I am extremely passionate about.
That said, please keep in mind that I myself am learning topics in Software Engineering too everyday, including newer editions of SWT and JRuby, which seem to pop up every quarter.
If you see anything that needs to be improved, please do not hesitate to contact me on [Gitter](https://gitter.im/AndyObtiva/glimmer) or submit [Issues](https://github.com/AndyObtiva/glimmer-dsl-swt/issues)/[Pull-Requests](https://github.com/AndyObtiva/glimmer-dsl-swt/pulls).
## Table of contents
- [Glimmer (JRuby Desktop Development GUI Framework)](#jruby-desktop-development-gui-framework)
- [Examples](#examples)
- [Hello, World!](#hello-world)
- [Tic Tac Toe](#tic-tac-toe)
- [Contact Manager](#contact-manager)
- [Desktop Apps Built with Glimmer DSL for SWT](#desktop-apps-built-with-glimmer-dsl-for-swt)
- [Table of contents](#table-of-contents)
- [Background](#background)
- [Software Architecture](#software-architecture)
- [Platform Support](#platform-support)
- [Pre-requisites](#pre-requisites)
- [Setup](#setup)
- [Option 1: Direct Install](#option-1-direct-install)
- [Option 2: Bundler](#option-2-bundler)
- [Glimmer Command](#glimmer-command)
- [Basic Usage](#basic-usage)
- [Advanced Usage](#advanced-usage)
- [Glimmer Samples](#glimmer-samples)
- [Scaffolding](#scaffolding)
- [App](#app)
- [Desktopify](#desktopify)
- [Custom Shell](#custom-shell)
- [Custom Widget](#custom-widget)
- [Custom Shell Gem](#custom-shell-gem)
- [Custom Widget Gem](#custom-widget-gem)
- [Gem Listing](#gem-listing)
- [Listing Custom Shell Gems](#listing-custom-shell-gems)
- [Listing Custom Widget Gems](#listing-custom-widget-gems)
- [Listing DSL Gems](#listing-dsl-gems)
- [Packaging](#packaging)
- [Raw JRuby Command](#raw-jruby-command)
- [Mac Support](#mac-support)
- [Girb (Glimmer irb) Command](#girb-glimmer-irb-command)
- [Glimmer GUI DSL Syntax](#glimmer-gui-dsl-syntax)
- [DSL Auto-Expansion](#dsl-auto-expansion)
- [Widgets](#widgets)
- [Glimmer GUI DSL Keywords](#glimmer-gui-dsl-keywords)
- [SWT Proxies](#swt-proxies)
- [Dialog](#dialog)
- [Display](#display)
- [Multi-Threading](#multi-threading)
- [Menus](#menus)
- [ScrolledComposite](#scrolledcomposite)
- [Widget Styles](#widget-styles)
- [Explicit SWT Style Bit](#explicit-swt-style-bit)
- [Negative SWT Style Bits](#negative-swt-style-bits)
- [Extra SWT Styles](#extra-swt-styles)
- [Widget Properties](#widget-properties)
- [Color](#color)
- [Font](#font)
- [Image](#image)
- [Image Options](#image-options)
- [Cursor](#cursor)
- [Layouts](#layouts)
- [Layout Data](#layout-data)
- [Canvas Shape DSL](#canvas-shape-dsl)
- [Canvas Transform DSL](#canvas-transform-dsl)
- [Canvas Animation DSL](#canvas-animation-dsl)
- [Data-Binding](#data-binding)
- [General Examples](#general-examples)
- [Combo](#combo)
- [List](#list)
- [Table](#table)
- [Tree](#tree)
- [DateTime](#datetime)
- [Observer](#observer)
- [Observing Widgets](#observing-widgets)
- [Observing Models](#observing-models)
- [Custom Widgets](#custom-widgets)
- [Simple Example](#simple-example)
- [Custom Widget Lifecycle Hooks](#custom-widget-lifecycle-hooks)
- [Lifecycle Hooks Example](#lifecycle-hooks-example)
- [Custom Widget API](#custom-widget-api)
- [Content/Options Example](#contentoptions-example)
- [Gotcha](#gotcha)
- [Custom Widget Final Notes](#custom-widget-final-notes)
- [Custom Shells](#custom-shells)
- [Drag and Drop](#drag-and-drop)
- [Miscellaneous](#miscellaneous)
- [Multi-DSL Support](#multi-dsl-support)
- [Application Menu Items (About/Preferences)](#application-menu-items-aboutpreferences)
- [App Name and Version](#app-name-and-version)
- [Checkbox Group Widget](#checkbox-group-widget)
- [Radio Group Widget](#radio-group-widget)
- [Code Text Widget](#code-text-widget)
- [Video Widget](#video-widget)
- [Sash Form Widget](#sash-form-widget)
- [Browser Widget](#browser-widget)
- [Glimmer Configuration](#glimmer-configuration)
- [logger](#logger)
- [logging_devices](#loggingdevices)
- [logging_device_file_options](#loggingdevicefileoptions)
- [logging_appender_options](#loggingappenderoptions)
- [logging_layout](#logginglayout)
- [import_swt_packages](#importswtpackages)
- [loop_max_count](#loopmaxcount)
- [excluded_keyword_checkers](#excludedkeywordcheckers)
- [log_excluded_keywords](#logexcludedkeywords)
- [Glimmer Style Guide](#glimmer-style-guide)
- [SWT Reference](#swt-reference)
- [Samples](#samples)
- [Hello Samples](#hello-samples)
- [Hello, World! Sample](#hello-world-sample)
- [Hello, Tab!](#hello-tab)
- [Hello, Combo!](#hello-combo)
- [Hello, List Single Selection!](#hello-list-single-selection)
- [Hello, List Multi Selection!](#hello-list-multi-selection)
- [Hello, Computed!](#hello-computed)
- [Hello, Message Box!](#hello-message-box)
- [Hello, Browser!](#hello-browser)
- [Hello, Drag and Drop!](#hello-drag-and-drop)
- [Hello, Menu Bar!](#hello-menu-bar)
- [Hello, Pop Up Context Menu!](#hello-pop-up-context-menu)
- [Hello, Custom Widget!](#hello-custom-widget)
- [Hello, Custom Shell!](#hello-custom-shell)
- [Hello, Sash Form!](#hello-sash-form)
- [Hello, Styled Text!](#hello-styled-text)
- [Hello, Expand Bar!](#hello-expand-bar)
- [Hello, Radio!](#hello-radio)
- [Hello, Radio Group!](#hello-radio-group)
- [Hello, Group!](#hello-group)
- [Hello, Checkbox!](#hello-checkbox)
- [Hello, Checkbox Group!](#hello-checkbox-group)
- [Hello, Directory Dialog!](#hello-directory-dialog)
- [Hello, File Dialog!](#hello-file-dialog)
- [Hello, Date Time!](#hello-date-time)
- [Hello, Spinner!](#hello-spinner)
- [Hello, Table!](#hello-table)
- [Hello, Button!](#hello-button)
- [Hello, Link!](#hello-link)
- [Hello, Dialog!](#hello-dialog)
- [Hello, Canvas!](#hello-canvas)
- [Hello, Canvas Animation!](#hello-canvas-animation)
- [Hello, Canvas Transform!](#hello-canvas-transform)
- [Elaborate Samples](#elaborate-samples)
- [User Profile](#user-profile)
- [Login](#login)
- [Tic Tac Toe Sample](#tic-tac-toe-sample)
- [Contact Manager Sample](#contact-manager-sample)
- [Tetris](#tetris)
- [External Samples](#external-samples)
- [Glimmer Calculator](#glimmer-calculator)
- [Gladiator](#gladiator)
- [Timer](#timer)
- [In Production](#in-production)
- [Math Bowling](#math-bowling)
- [Are We There Yet?](#are-we-there-yet)
- [Garderie Rainbow Daily Agenda](#garderie-rainbow-daily-agenda)
- [Packaging & Distribution](#packaging--distribution)
- [Packaging Defaults](#packaging-defaults)
- [Packaging Configuration](#packaging-configuration)
- [javapackager Extra Arguments](#javapackager-extra-arguments)
- [Verbose Mode](#verbose-mode)
- [Windows Application Packaging](#windows-application-packaging)
- [Mac Application Distribution](#mac-application-distribution)
- [Self Signed Certificate](#self-signed-certificate)
- [Gotchas](#gotchas)
- [App Updates](#app-updates)
- [Glimmer Supporting Libraries](#glimmer-supporting-libraries)
- [Glimmer Process](#glimmer-process)
- [Resources](#resources)
- [Help](#help)
- [Issues](#issues)
- [Chat](#chat)
- [Feature Suggestions](#feature-suggestions)
- [Change Log](#change-log)
- [Contributing](#contributing)
- [Contributors](#contributors)
- [Hire Me](#hire-me)
- [License](#license)
## Background
[Ruby](https://www.ruby-lang.org) is a dynamically-typed object-oriented language, which provides great productivity gains due to its powerful expressive syntax and dynamic nature. While it is proven by the [Ruby](https://www.ruby-lang.org) on Rails framework for web development, it currently lacks a robust platform-independent framework for building desktop applications. Given that Java libraries can now be utilized in Ruby code through JRuby, Eclipse technologies, such as [SWT](https://www.eclipse.org/swt/), JFace, and RCP can help fill the gap of desktop application development with Ruby.
## Software Architecture
There are several requirements for building enterprise-level/consumer-level desktop GUI applications:
- Cross-Platform Support (Mac, Windows, Linux) without compilation/recompilation
- OS Native Look & Feel
- High Performance
- Productivity
- Maintainability
- Extensibility
- Native Executable Packaging
- Multi-Threading / Parallel Programming
- Arbitrary Graphics Painting
- Audio Support
Glimmer provides cross-platform support that does not require Ruby compilation (like Tk does), thanks to JRuby, a JVM (Java Virtual Machine) faster OS-threaded version of Ruby.
Glimmer leverages SWT (Standard Widget Toolkit), which provides cross-platform widgets that automatically use the native GUI libraries under each operating system, such as Win32 on Windows, Cocoa on Mac, and GTK on Linux.
Furthermore, what is special about SWT regarding "High Performance" is that it does all the GUI painting natively outside of Java, thus producing GUI that runs at maximum performance even in Ruby. As such, you do not need to worry about Ruby dynamic typing getting in the way of GUI performance. It has ZERO effect on it and since SWT supports making asynchronous calls for GUI rendering, you could avoid blocking the GUI completely with any computations happening in Ruby no matter how complex, thus never affecting the responsiveness of GUI of applications while taking full advantage of the productivity benefits of Ruby dynamic typing.
Glimmer takes this further by providing a very programmer friendly DSL (Domain Specific Language) that visually maps lightweight Ruby syntax to the containment hierarchy of GUI widgets (meaning Ruby blocks nested within each other map to GUI widgets nested within each other). This provides maximum productivity and maintainability.
Extensibility has never been simpler in desktop GUI application development than with Glimmer, which provides the ability to support any new custom keywords through custom widgets and custom shells (windows). Basically, you map a keyword by declaring a view class matching its name by convention with a GUI body that simply consists of reusable Glimmer GUI syntax. They can be passive views or smart views with additional logic. This provides the ultimate realization of Object Oriented Programming and micro-level MVC pattern.
Thanks to Java and JRuby, Glimmer apps can be packaged as cross-platform JAR files (with JRuby Warbler) and native executables (with Java Packager) as Mac APP/DMG/PACKAGE or Windows EXE/MSI.
The Java Virtual Machine already supports OS-native threads, so Glimmer apps can have multiple things running in parallel with no problem.
SWT supports Canvas graphics drawing, and Glimmer takes that further by provding a Canvas Shape/Transform/Animation DSL, making it very simple to decorate any existing widgets or add new widgets with a completely custom look and feel if needed for branding or entertainment (gaming) purposes.
Audio is supported via the Java Sound library in a cross-platform approach and video is supported via a Glimmer custom widget, so any Glimmer app can be enhanced with audio and video where needed.
## Platform Support
Glimmer runs on the following platforms:
- Mac
- Windows
- Linux
Glimmer's GUI has the native look and feel of each operating system it runs on since it uses SWT behind the scenes, which leverages the following native libraries:
- Win32 on Windows
- Cocoa on Mac
- GTK on Linux
More info about the SWT GUI on various platforms can be found on the Eclipse WIKI and SWT FAQ:
https://wiki.eclipse.org/SWT/Devel/Gtk/Dev_guide#Win32.2FCocoa.2FGTK
https://www.eclipse.org/swt/faq.php
## Pre-requisites
- JDK 8u241 (1.8.0_241) (find at https://www.oracle.com/java/technologies/javase/javase8u211-later-archive-downloads.html)
- JRuby 9.2.14.0 (supporting Ruby 2.5.x syntax) (get via [RVM](http://rvm.io) on Mac and Linux or find at [https://www.jruby.org/download](https://www.jruby.org/download) for Windows)
- SWT 4.18 (already included in the [glimmer-dsl-swt](https://rubygems.org/gems/glimmer-dsl-swt) gem)
To obtain JRuby through [RVM](http://rvm.io), you may run:
```bash
rvm install jruby-9.2.14.0
```
Glimmer might still work on other versions of Java, JRuby and SWT, but there are no guarantees, so it is best to stick to the pre-requisites outlined above.
## Setup
Please follow these instructions to make the `glimmer` command available on your system via the [`glimmer-dsl-swt`](https://github.com/AndyObtiva/glimmer-dsl-swt) gem.
If you intend to learn the basics of Glimmer but are not ready to build a Glimmer app yet, pick Option 1 ([Direct Install](#option-1-direct-install)).
If you intend to build a Glimmer app from scratch with [scaffolding](#scaffolding), pick Option 1 ([Direct Install](#option-1-direct-install)) as well.
Otherwise, Option 2 ([Bundler](#option-2-bundler)) can be followed in rare cases where you want to build an app without [scaffolding](#scaffolding).
Note: if you encounter any [issues](https://github.com/AndyObtiva/glimmer-dsl-swt/issues), please [report](https://github.com/AndyObtiva/glimmer-dsl-swt/issues) and then install a previous version instead from the list of [Glimmer Releases](https://rubygems.org/gems/glimmer-dsl-swt/versions).
### Option 1: Direct Install
(Use for [Scaffolding](#scaffolding))
Run this command to install directly:
```
jgem install glimmer-dsl-swt
```
Or this command if you want a specific version:
```
jgem install glimmer-dsl-swt -v 4.18.3.4
```
`jgem` is JRuby's version of `gem` command.
RVM allows running `gem install` directly as an alias.
Otherwise, you may also run `jruby -S gem install ...`
If you are new to Glimmer and would like to continue learning the basics, you may continue to the [Glimmer Command](https://github.com/AndyObtiva/glimmer#glimmer-command) section.
Otherwise, if you are ready to build a Glimmer app, you can jump to the [Glimmer Scaffolding](https://github.com/AndyObtiva/glimmer#scaffolding) section next.
Note: if you're using activerecord or activesupport, keep in mind that Glimmer unhooks ActiveSupport::Dependencies as it does not rely on it.
### Option 2: Bundler
(Use for Manual App Creation)
Add the following to `Gemfile`:
```
gem 'glimmer-dsl-swt', '~> 4.18.3.4
'
```
And, then run:
```
jruby -S bundle install
```
Note: if you're using activerecord or activesupport, keep in mind that Glimmer unhooks ActiveSupport::Dependencies as it does not rely on it.
You may learn more about other Glimmer related gems ([`glimmer-dsl-opal`](https://github.com/AndyObtiva/glimmer-dsl-opal), [`glimmer-dsl-xml`](https://github.com/AndyObtiva/glimmer-dsl-xml), and [`glimmer-dsl-css`](https://github.com/AndyObtiva/glimmer-dsl-css)) at [Multi-DSL Support](#multi-dsl-support)
## Glimmer Command
The `glimmer` command allows you to run, scaffold, package, and list Glimmer applications/gems.
You can bring up usage instructions by running the `glimmer` command without arguments:
```
glimmer
```
On Mac and Linux, it additionally brings up a TUI (Text-based User Interface) for interactive navigation and execution of Glimmer tasks (courtesy of [rake-tui](https://github.com/AndyObtiva/rake-tui)).
On Windows, it simply lists the available Glimmer tasks at the end (courtsey of [rake](https://github.com/ruby/rake)).
If you are new to Glimmer, you may read the Basic Usage section and skip the rest until you have gone through [Girb (Glimmer irb) Command](#girb-glimmer-irb-command), [Glimmer GUI DSL Syntax](#glimmer-gui-dsl-syntax), and [Samples](#samples).
Note: If you encounter an issue running the `glimmer` command, run `bundle exec glimmer` instead.
### Basic Usage
```
glimmer application.rb
```
Runs a Glimmer application using JRuby, automatically preloading
the glimmer ruby gem and SWT jar dependency.
Run Glimmer samples with:
```
glimmer samples
```
This brings up the [Glimmer Meta-Sample (The Sample of Samples)](#samples)
If you cloned this project locally instead of installing the gem, run `bin/glimmer` instead.
Example:
```
bin/glimmer samples
```
### Advanced Usage
Below are the full usage instructions that come up when running `glimmer` without args.
```
Glimmer (JRuby Desktop Development GUI Framework) - JRuby Gem: glimmer-dsl-swt v4.18.3.4
Usage: glimmer [--bundler] [--pd] [--quiet] [--debug] [--log-level=VALUE] [[ENV_VAR=VALUE]...] [[-jruby-option]...] (application.rb or task[task_args]) [[application2.rb]...]
Runs Glimmer applications and tasks.
When applications are specified, they are run using JRuby,
automatically preloading the glimmer Ruby gem and SWT jar dependency.
Optionally, extra Glimmer options, JRuby options, and/or environment variables may be passed in.
Glimmer options:
- "--bundler=GROUP" : Activates gems in Bundler default group in Gemfile
- "--pd=BOOLEAN" : Requires puts_debuggerer to enable pd method
- "--quiet=BOOLEAN" : Does not announce file path of Glimmer application being launched
- "--debug" : Displays extra debugging information, passes "--debug" to JRuby, and enables debug logging
- "--log-level=VALUE" : Sets Glimmer's Ruby logger level ("ERROR" / "WARN" / "INFO" / "DEBUG"; default is none)
Tasks are run via rake. Some tasks take arguments in square brackets.
Available tasks are below (if you do not see any, please add `require 'glimmer/rake_task'` to Rakefile and rerun or run rake -T):
Select a Glimmer task to run: (Press ↑/↓ arrow to move, Enter to select and letters to filter)
‣ glimmer list:gems:customshell[query] # List Glimmer custom shell gems available at rubygems.org (query is optional) [alt: list:gems:cs]
glimmer list:gems:customwidget[query] # List Glimmer custom widget gems available at rubygems.org (query is optional) [alt: list:gems:cw]
glimmer list:gems:dsl[query] # List Glimmer DSL gems available at rubygems.org (query is optional)
glimmer package[type] # Package app for distribution (generating config, jar, and native files) (type is optional)
glimmer package:clean # Clean by removing "dist" and "packages" directories
glimmer package:config # Generate JAR config file
glimmer package:gemspec # Generate gemspec
glimmer package:jar # Generate JAR file
glimmer package:lock_jars # Lock JARs
glimmer package:native[type] # Generate Native files
glimmer run[app_path] # Runs Glimmer app or custom shell gem in the current directory, unless app_path is specified, then runs it instead (app_path is optional)
glimmer samples # Brings up the Glimmer Meta-Sample app to allow browsing, running, and viewing code of Glimmer samples
glimmer scaffold[app_name] # Scaffold Glimmer application directory structure to build a new app
glimmer scaffold:customshell[name,namespace] # Scaffold Glimmer::UI::CustomShell subclass (full window view) under app/views (namespace is optional) [alt: scaffold:cs]
glimmer scaffold:customwidget[name,namespace] # Scaffold Glimmer::UI::CustomWidget subclass (part of a view) under app/views (namespace is optional) [alt: scaffold:cw]
glimmer scaffold:gem:customshell[name,namespace] # Scaffold Glimmer::UI::CustomShell subclass (full window view) under its own Ruby gem + app project (namespace is required) [alt: scaffold:ge...
glimmer scaffold:gem:customwidget[name,namespace] # Scaffold Glimmer::UI::CustomWidget subclass (part of a view) under its own Ruby gem project (namespace is required) [alt: scaffold:gem:cw]
```
Example (Glimmer/JRuby option specified):
```
glimmer --debug samples/hello/hello_world.rb
```
Runs Glimmer application with JRuby debug option to enable JRuby debugging.
Example (Multiple apps):
```
glimmer samples/hello/hello_world.rb samples/hello/hello_tab.rb
```
Launches samples/hello/hello_world.rb and samples/hello_tab.rb at the same time, each in a separate JRuby thread.
Note: under Zsh (Z Shell), glimmer can only be used in its advanced TUI mode (e.g. `glimmer` and then selecting a task) not the primitive rake task mode (e.g. `glimmer scaffold[app]`)
### Glimmer Samples
You can list available Glimmer samples by running:
```
glimmer samples
```
This brings up the [Glimmer Meta-Sample (The Sample of Samples)](#samples):
### Scaffolding
Glimmer borrows from Rails the idea of Scaffolding, that is generating a structure for your app files that
helps you get started just like true building scaffolding helps construction workers, civil engineers, and architects.
Glimmer scaffolding goes beyond just scaffolding the app files that Rails does. It also packages it and launches it,
getting you to a running and delivered state of an advanced "Hello, World!" Glimmer application right off the bat.
This should greatly facilitate building a new Glimmer app by helping you be productive and focus on app details while
letting Glimmer scaffolding take care of initial app file structure concerns, such as adding:
- Main application class that includes Glimmer (`app/{app_name}.rb`)
- Main application view that houses main window content, menu, about dialog, and preferences dialog
- View and Model directories (`app/views` and `app/models`)
- Rakefile including Glimmer tasks (`Rakefile`)
- Version (`VERSION`)
- License (`LICENSE.txt`)
- Icon (under `package/{platform}/{App Name}.{icon_extension}` for `macosx` .icns, `windows` .ico, and `linux` .png)
- Bin file for starting application (`bin/{app_name}.rb`)
You need to have your Git `user.name` and `github.user` configured before scaffolding since Glimmer uses Juwelier, which relies on them in creating a Git repo for your Glimmer app.
#### App
Before you start, make sure you are in a JRuby environment with Glimmer gem installed as per "Direct Install" pre-requisites.
To scaffold a Glimmer app from scratch, run the following command:
```
glimmer scaffold[AppName]
```
This will generate an advanced "Hello, World!" app, package it as a Mac DMG/PKG/APP, Windows APP, or Linux GEM, and launch it all in one fell swoop.
Suppose you run:
```
glimmer scaffold[greeter]
```
You should see output like the following:
```
$ glimmer scaffold[greeter]
create .gitignore
create Rakefile
create Gemfile
create LICENSE.txt
create README.rdoc
create .document
create lib
create lib/greeter.rb
create spec
create spec/spec_helper.rb
create spec/greeter_spec.rb
create .rspec
Juwelier has prepared your gem in ./greeter
Created greeter/.gitignore
Created greeter/.ruby-version
Created greeter/.ruby-gemset
Created greeter/VERSION
Created greeter/LICENSE.txt
Created greeter/Gemfile
Created greeter/Rakefile
Created greeter/app/greeter.rb
Created greeter/app/views/greeter/app_view.rb
Created greeter/package/windows/Greeter.ico
Created greeter/package/macosx/Greeter.icns
Created greeter/package/linux/Greeter.png
Created greeter/bin/greeter
Created greeter/spec/spec_helper.rb
...
```
Eventually, it will launch an advanced "Hello, World!" app window having the title of your application ("Greeter").
It also comes with a boilerplate Preferences dialog.
Here is the Windows version of the scaffolded "Greeter" app:
And, here is the Windows version of the boilerplate Preferences dialog.
In order to run the app after making changes, you must run the `glimmer run`. It automatically detects the generated run script under the `bin` directory and uses it as an argument.
```
glimmer run
```
Alternatively, to mantually run the app, you may type:
```
glimmer run[bin/greeter]
```
or:
```
glimmer bin/greeter
```
#### Desktopify
Desktopify basically turns a website into a desktop application by wrapping the website within a [Browser Widget](#browser-widget).
The desktopify app is similar to the standard scaffolded app. It can be extended and the [browser may even be instrumented](https://help.eclipse.org/2020-09/topic/org.eclipse.platform.doc.isv/reference/api/org/eclipse/swt/browser/Browser.html).
The app even remembers your cookies if you log into the website, close the app, and reopen again.
Note that on Linux, the default SWT browser, which runs on webkit, does not support HTML5 Video out of the box. If you need video support, open `Gemfile` after scaffolding and enable the line that has the `glimmer-cw-browser-chromium` gem then replace the `browser` in "app/views/snowboard_utah/app_view.rb" with `browser(:chromium)`
Before you start, make sure you are in a JRuby environment with Glimmer gem installed as per "Direct Install" pre-requisites.
To scaffold a Glimmer desktopify app from scratch, run the following command:
```
glimmer scaffold:desktopify[app_name,website]
```
This will generate a Glimmer app, package it as a Mac DMG/PKG/APP, Windows APP, or Linux GEM, and launch it all in one fell swoop.
Suppose you run:
```
glimmer scaffold:desktopify[snowboard_utah,https://www.brightonresort.com]
```
You should see output like the following:
```
$ glimmer scaffold:desktopify[snowboard_utah,https://www.brightonresort.com]
Fetching kamelcase-0.0.2.gem
Fetching github_api-0.19.0.gem
Fetching highline-2.0.3.gem
Fetching juwelier-2.4.9.gem
Fetching hashie-3.6.0.gem
Fetching nokogiri-1.10.10-java.gem
Fetching semver2-3.4.2.gem
Successfully installed semver2-3.4.2
Successfully installed kamelcase-0.0.2
Successfully installed highline-2.0.3
Successfully installed hashie-3.6.0
Successfully installed github_api-0.19.0
Successfully installed nokogiri-1.10.10-java
Successfully installed juwelier-2.4.9
7 gems installed
create .gitignore
create Rakefile
create Gemfile
create LICENSE.txt
create README.markdown
create .document
create lib
create lib/snowboard_utah.rb
create .rspec
Juwelier has prepared your gem in ./snowboard_utah
Created snowboard_utah/.gitignore
Created snowboard_utah/.ruby-version
Created snowboard_utah/.ruby-gemset
Created snowboard_utah/VERSION
Created snowboard_utah/LICENSE.txt
Created snowboard_utah/Gemfile
Created snowboard_utah/Rakefile
Created snowboard_utah/app/snowboard_utah.rb
Created snowboard_utah/app/views/snowboard_utah/app_view.rb
Created snowboard_utah/package/windows/Snowboard Utah.ico
Created snowboard_utah/package/macosx/Snowboard Utah.icns
Created snowboard_utah/package/linux/Snowboard Utah.png
Created snowboard_utah/bin/snowboard_utah
...
```
Eventually, it will launch a desktopified version of "https://www.brightonresort.com" having the title of ("Snowboard Utah").
Desktopified App on Mac
It also comes with a boilerplate About dialog.
Desktopified App on Windows
Desktopified App on Linux
In order to run the app after making changes, you must run the `glimmer run`. It automatically detects the generated run script under the `bin` directory and uses it as an argument.
```
glimmer run
```
#### Custom Shell
To scaffold a Glimmer [custom shell](#custom-shells) (full window view) for an existing Glimmer app, run the following command:
```
glimmer scaffold:customshell[name]
```
Or the following alternative abbreviation:
```
glimmer scaffold:cs[name]
```
#### Custom Widget
To scaffold a Glimmer [custom widget](#custom-widgets) (part of a view) for an existing Glimmer app, run the following command:
```
glimmer scaffold:customwidget[name]
```
Or the following alternative abbreviation:
```
glimmer scaffold:cw[name]
```
#### Custom Shell Gem
Custom shell gems are self-contained Glimmer apps as well as reusable [custom shells](#custom-shells).
They have everything scaffolded Glimmer apps come with in addition to gem content like a [Juwelier](https://rubygems.org/gems/juwelier) Rakefile that can build gemspec and release gems.
Unlike scaffolded Glimmer apps, custom shell gem content lives under the `lib` directory (not `app`).
They can be packaged as both a native executable (e.g. Mac DMG/PKG/APP) and a Ruby gem.
Of course, you can just build a Ruby gem and disregard native executable packaging if you do not need it.
To scaffold a Glimmer custom shell gem (full window view distributed as a Ruby gem), run the following command:
```
glimmer scaffold:gem:customshell[name,namespace]
```
Or the following alternative abbreviation:
```
glimmer scaffold:gem:cs[name,namespace]
```
It is important to specify a namespace to avoid having your gem clash with existing gems.
The Ruby gem name will follow the convention "glimmer-cs-customwidgetname-namespace" (the 'cs' is for Custom Shell).
Only official Glimmer gems created by the Glimmer project committers will have no namespace (e.g. [glimmer-cs-gladiator](https://rubygems.org/gems/glimmer-cs-gladiator) Ruby gem)
Since custom shell gems are both an app and a gem, they provide two ways to run:
- Run the `glimmer` command and pass it the generated script under the `bin` directory that matches the gem name (e.g. run `glimmer bin/glimmer-cs-calculator`)
- Run the executable shell script that ships with the gem directly (does not need the `glimmer` command). It intentionally has a shorter name for convenience since it is meant to be used on the command line (not in a package), so you can leave out the `glimmer-cs-` prefix (e.g. run `bin/calculator` directly). This is also used as the main way of running custom shell gems on Linux.
Examples:
- [glimmer-cs-gladiator](https://github.com/AndyObtiva/glimmer-cs-gladiator): Gladiator (Glimmer Editor)
- [glimmer-cs-calculator](https://github.com/AndyObtiva/glimmer-cs-calculator): Glimmer Calculator
#### Custom Widget Gem
To scaffold a Glimmer [custom widget](#custom-widgets) gem (part of a view distributed as a Ruby gem), run the following command:
```
glimmer scaffold:gem:customwidget[name,namespace]
```
Or the following alternative abbreviation:
```
glimmer scaffold:gem:cw[name,namespace]
```
It is important to specify a namespace to avoid having your gem clash with existing gems.
The Ruby gem name will follow the convention "glimmer-cw-customwidgetname-namespace" (the 'cw' is for Custom Widget)
Only official Glimmer gems created by the Glimmer project committers will have no namespace (e.g. [glimmer-cw-video](https://rubygems.org/gems/glimmer-cw-video) Ruby gem)
Examples:
- [glimmer-cw-video](https://github.com/AndyObtiva/glimmer-cw-video): Video Widget
- [glimmer-cw-cdatetime-nebula](https://github.com/AndyObtiva/glimmer-cw-cdatetime-nebula): Nebula CDateTime Widget
### Gem Listing
The `glimmer` command comes with tasks for listing Glimmer related gems to make it easy to find Glimmer [Custom Shells](#custom-shells), [Custom Widgets](#custom-widgets), and DSLs published by others in the Glimmer community on [rubygems.org](http://www.rubygems.org).
#### Listing Custom Shell Gems
The following command lists available Glimmer [Custom Shell Gems](#custom-shell-gem) (prefixed with "glimmer-cs-" by scaffolding convention) created by the the Glimmer community and published on [rubygems.org](http://www.rubygems.org):
```
glimmer list:gems:customshell[query]
```
Or the following alternative abbreviation:
```
glimmer list:gems:cs[query]
```
Example:
```
glimmer list:gems:cs
```
Output:
```
Glimmer Custom Shell Gems at rubygems.org:
Name Gem Version Author Description
Calculator glimmer-cs-calculator 1.0.2 Andy Maleh Calculator - Glimmer Custom Shell
Gladiator glimmer-cs-gladiator 0.2.4 Andy Maleh Gladiator (Glimmer Editor) - Glimmer Custom Shell
Timer glimmer-cs-timer 1.0.0 Andy Maleh Timer - Glimmer Custom Shell
```
#### Listing Custom Widget Gems
The following command lists available Glimmer [Custom Widget Gems](#custom-widget-gem) (prefixed with "glimmer-cw-" by scaffolding convention) created by the the Glimmer community and published on [rubygems.org](http://www.rubygems.org):
```
glimmer list:gems:customwidget[query]
```
Or the following alternative abbreviation:
```
glimmer list:gems:cw[query]
```
Example:
Check if there is a custom video widget for Glimmer.
```
glimmer list:gems:cw[video]
```
Output:
```
Glimmer Custom Widget Gems matching [video] at rubygems.org:
Name Gem Version Author Description
Video glimmer-cw-video 1.0.0 Andy Maleh Glimmer Custom Widget - Video
```
Example:
Check all custom widgets for Glimmer.
```
glimmer list:gems:cw
```
Output:
```
Glimmer Custom Widget Gems at rubygems.org:
Name Gem Version Author Description
Browser (Chromium) glimmer-cw-browser-chromium 1.0.0 Andy Maleh Chromium Browser - Glimmer Custom Widget
Cdatetime (Nebula) glimmer-cw-cdatetime-nebula 1.5.0.0.1 Andy Maleh Nebula CDateTime Widget - Glimmer Custom Widget
Video glimmer-cw-video 1.0.0 Andy Maleh Glimmer Custom Widget - Video
```
#### Listing DSL Gems
The following command lists available Glimmer [DSL Gems](#multi-dsl-support) (prefixed with "glimmer-dsl-" by convention) created by the the Glimmer community and published on [rubygems.org](http://www.rubygems.org):
```
glimmer list:gems:dsl[query]
```
Example:
```
glimmer list:gems:dsl
```
Output:
```
Glimmer DSL Gems at rubygems.org:
Name Gem Version Author Description
Css glimmer-dsl-css 1.1.0 AndyMaleh Glimmer DSL for CSS
Opal glimmer-dsl-opal 0.10.2 AndyMaleh Glimmer DSL for Opal
Swt glimmer-dsl-swt 4.18.3.4
AndyMaleh Glimmer DSL for SWT
Tk glimmer-dsl-tk 0.0.6 AndyMaleh Glimmer DSL for Tk
Xml glimmer-dsl-xml 1.1.0 AndyMaleh Glimmer DSL for XML
```
### Packaging
Glimmer supports packaging applications as native files on Mac and Windows.
Glimmer packaging tasks are detailed under [Packaging & Distribution](#packaging--distribution).
On Linux, the Glimmer [Custom Shell Gem](#custom-shell-gem) approach provides a [Gem Packaged Shell Script](#custom-shell-gem) (e.g. `calculator` command becomes available after installing the [glimmer-cs-calculator](https://github.com/AndyObtiva/glimmer-cs-calculator) gem)
### Raw JRuby Command
If there is a need to run Glimmer directly via the `jruby` command, you
may run the following on Windows/Linux:
```
jruby -r glimmer-dsl-swt -S application.rb
```
Or, the following on Mac:
```
jruby -J-XstartOnFirstThread -r glimmer-dsl-swt -S application.rb
```
If you want to use a specific custom version of SWT, run the following on Windows/Linux:
```
jruby -J-classpath "path_to/swt.jar" -r glimmer-dsl-swt -S application.rb
```
Or, the following on Mac:
```
jruby -J-XstartOnFirstThread -J-classpath "path_to/swt.jar" -r glimmer-dsl-swt -S application.rb
```
The `-J-classpath` option specifies the `swt.jar` file path, which can be a
manually downloaded version of SWT, or otherwise the one included in the gem. You can lookup the one included in the gem by running `jgem which glimmer` to find the gem path and then look through the `vendor` directory.
The `-r` option preloads (requires) the `glimmer` library in Ruby.
The `-S` option specifies a script to run.
#### Mac Support
The Mac is well supported with the `glimmer` command. The advice below is not needed if you are using it.
However, if there is a reason to use the raw `jruby` command directly instead of the `glimmer` command, you need to pass an extra option (`-J-XstartOnFirstThread`) to JRuby on the Mac (Glimmer automatically passes it for you when using the `glimmer` command).
Example:
```
jruby -J-XstartOnFirstThread -J-classpath "path_to/swt.jar" -r glimmer-dsl-swt -S application.rb
```
## Girb (Glimmer irb) Command
With `glimmer-dsl-swt` installed, you may want to run `girb` instead of standard `irb` to have SWT preloaded and the Glimmer library required and included for quick Glimmer coding/testing.
```
girb
```
If you cloned [glimmer-dsl-swt](https://github.com/AndyObtiva/glimmer-dsl-swt) project locally, you may run `bin/girb` instead.
```
bin/girb
```
Watch out for hands-on examples in this README indicated by "you may copy/paste in [`girb`](#girb-glimmer-irb-command)"
Keep in mind that all samples live under [https://github.com/AndyObtiva/glimmer-dsl-swt/samples](https://github.com/AndyObtiva/glimmer-dsl-swt/samples)
If you need a more GUI interactive option to experiement with Glimmer GUI DSL Syntax, you may try:
- [Glimmer Meta-Sample (The Sample of Samples)](#samples): allows launching Glimmer samples and viewing/editing code to learn/experiment too.
- ["Ugliest Editor Ever"](https://github.com/AndyObtiva/glimmer-cs-gladiator)
- Just build your own GUI editor using the [Glimmer DSL for SWT Ruby Gem](https://rubygems.org/gems/glimmer-dsl-swt).
## Glimmer GUI DSL Syntax
Glimmer's core is a GUI DSL with a lightweight visual syntax that makes it easy to visualize the nesting of widgets in the GUI hierarchy tree.
It is available through mixing in the `Glimmer` module, which makes [Glimmer GUI DSL Keywords](#glimmer-gui-dsl-keywords) available to both the instance scope and class scope:
```ruby
include Glimmer
```
For example, here is the basic "Hello, World!" sample code (you may copy/paste in [`girb`](#girb-glimmer-irb-command)):
```ruby
include Glimmer
shell {
text "Glimmer"
label {
text "Hello, World!"
}
}.open
```
The `include Glimmer` declaration on top mixed the `Glimmer` module into the Ruby global main object making the Glimmer GUI DSL available at the top-level global scope.
While this works well enough for mini-samples, it is better to isolate Glimmer in a class or module during production application development to create a clean separation between view code (GUI) and model code (business domain). Here is the "Hello, World!" sample re-written in a class to illustrate how mixing in the `Glimmer` module (via `include Glimmer`) makes the Glimmer GUI DSL available in both the instance scope and class scope. That is clearly demonstrated by pre-initializing a color constant in the class scope and building the GUI in the `#open` instance method (you may copy/paste in [`girb`](#girb-glimmer-irb-command)):
```ruby
class HelloWorld
include Glimmer # makes the GUI DSL available in both the class scope and instance scope
COLOR_FOREGROUND_DEFAULT = rgb(255, 0, 0) # rgb is a GUI DSL keyword used in the class scope
def open
# the following are GUI DSL keywords (shell, text, and label) used in the instance scope
shell {
text "Glimmer"
label {
text "Hello, World!"
foreground COLOR_FOREGROUND_DEFAULT
}
}.open
end
end
HelloWorld.new.open
```
This renders "Hello, World!" with a red foreground color:
The GUI DSL intentionally avoids overly verbose syntax, requiring as little declarative code as possible to describe what GUI to render, how to style it, and what properties to data-bind to the Models.
As such, it breaks off from Ruby's convention of using `do end` for multi-line blocks, opting instead for the lightweight and visual `{ }` curly brace blocks everywhere inside the GUI DSL. More details about Glimmer's syntax conventions may be found in the [Glimmer Style Guide](#glimmer-style-guide)
Glimmer DSL syntax consists mainly of:
- keywords (e.g. `table` for a table widget)
- style/args (e.g. :multi as in `table(:multi)` for a multi-line selection table widget)
- content (e.g. `{ table_column { text 'Name'} }` as in `table(:multi) { table_column { text 'name'} }` for a multi-line selection table widget with a table column having header text property `'Name'` as content)
### DSL Auto-Expansion
Glimmer supports a new and radical Ruby DSL concept called DSL Auto-Expansion. To explain, let's first mention the two types of Glimmer GUI DSL keywords: static and dynamic.
Static keywords are pre-identified keywords in the Glimmer DSL, such as `shell`, `display`, `message_box`, `async_exec`, `sync_exec`, and `bind`.
Dynamic keywords are dynamically figured out from currently imported (aka required/loaded) SWT widgets and custom widgets. Examples are: `label`, `combo`, and `list` for SWT widgets and `c_date_time`, `video`, and `gantt_chart` for custom widgets.
The only reason to distinguish between the two is to realize that importing new Glimmer [custom widgets](#custom-widgets) and Java SWT custom widget libraries automatically expands Glimmer's DSL vocabulary with new dynamic keywords.
For example, if a project adds this custom Java SWT library from the [Nebula Project](https://www.eclipse.org/nebula/):
https://www.eclipse.org/nebula/widgets/gallery/gallery.php
Glimmer will automatically support using the keyword `gallery`
This is what DSL Auto-Expansion is.
You will learn more about widgets next.
### Widgets
Glimmer GUIs (user interfaces) are modeled with widgets, which are wrappers around the SWT library widgets found here:
https://www.eclipse.org/swt/widgets/
This screenshot taken from the link above should give a glimpse of how SWT widgets look and feel:
[](https://www.eclipse.org/swt/widgets/)
In Glimmer DSL, widgets are declared with lowercase underscored names mirroring their SWT names minus the package name. For example, here are some Glimmer widgets and their SWT counterparts:
- `shell` instantiates `org.eclipse.swt.widgets.Shell`
- `text` instantiates `org.eclipse.swt.widgets.Text`
- `button` instantiates `org.eclipse.swt.widgets.Button`
- `label` instantiates `org.eclipse.swt.widgets.Label`
- `composite` instantiates `org.eclipse.swt.widgets.Composite`
- `tab_folder` instantiates `org.eclipse.swt.widgets.TabFolder`
- `tab_item` instantiates `org.eclipse.swt.widgets.TabItem`
- `table` instantiates `org.eclipse.swt.widgets.Table`
- `table_column` instantiates `org.eclipse.swt.widgets.TableColumn`
- `tree` instantiates `org.eclipse.swt.widgets.Tree`
- `combo` instantiates `org.eclipse.swt.widgets.Combo`
- `list` instantiates `org.eclipse.swt.widgets.List`
Every **widget** is sufficiently declared by name, but may optionally be accompanied with:
- SWT **style**/***arguments*** wrapped by parenthesis according to [Glimmer Style Guide](#glimmer-style-guide) (see [next section](#widget-styles) for details).
- Ruby block containing **content**, which may be **properties** (e.g. `enabled false`) or nested **widgets** (e.g. `table_column` nested inside `table`)
For example, if we were to revisit `samples/hello/hello_world.rb` above (you may copy/paste in [`girb`](#girb-glimmer-irb-command)):
```ruby
shell {
text "Glimmer"
label {
text "Hello, World!"
}
}.open
```
Note that `shell` instantiates the outer shell **widget**, in other words, the window that houses all of the desktop graphical user interface.
`shell` is then followed by a ***block*** that contains
```ruby
# ...
text "Glimmer" # text property of shell
label { # label widget declaration as content of shell
text "Hello, World!" # text property of label
}
# ...
```
The first line declares a **property** called `text`, which sets the title of the shell (window) to `"Glimmer"`. **Properties** always have ***arguments*** (not wrapped by parenthesis according to [Glimmer Style Guide](#glimmer-style-guide)), such as the text `"Glimmer"` in this case, and do **NOT** have a ***block*** (this distinguishes them from **widget** declarations).
The second line declares the `label` **widget**, which is followed by a Ruby **content** ***block*** that contains its `text` **property** with value `"Hello, World!"`
The **widget** ***block*** may optionally receive an argument representing the widget proxy object that the block content is for. This is useful in rare cases when the content code needs to refer to parent widget during declaration. You may leave that argument out most of the time and only add when absolutely needed.
Example:
```ruby
shell {|shell_proxy|
#...
}
```
Remember that The `shell` widget is always the outermost widget containing all others in a Glimmer desktop windowed application.
After it is declared, a `shell` must be opened with the `#open` method, which can be called on the block directly as in the example above, or by capturing `shell` in a `@shell` variable (shown in example below), and calling `#open` on it independently (recommended in actual apps)
```ruby
@shell = shell {
# properties and content
# ...
}
@shell.open
```
It is centered upon initial display and has a minimum width of 130 (can be re-centered when needed with `@shell.center` method after capturing `shell` in a `@shell` variable as per samples)
Check out the [samples](samples) directory for more examples.
Example from [hello_tab.rb](samples/hello/hello_tab.rb) sample (you may copy/paste in [`girb`](#girb-glimmer-irb-command)):
```ruby
shell {
text "Hello, Tab!"
tab_folder {
tab_item {
text "English"
label {
text "Hello, World!"
}
}
tab_item {
text "French"
label {
text "Bonjour Univers!"
}
}
}
}.open
```
If you are new to Glimmer, you have learned enough to start running some [samples](#samples) directly or by reading through [Glimmer GUI DSL Keywords](#glimmer-gui-dsl-keywords) (which list each keyword's samples). Go ahead and run all Glimmer [samples](#samples), and come back to read the rest in any order you like since this material is more organized like a reference.
If you are advanced and need more widgets, check out the [Nebula Project](https://www.eclipse.org/nebula/) for an extensive list of high quality custom widgets:
https://www.eclipse.org/nebula/
#### Glimmer GUI DSL Keywords
This is not an exaustive list, but should give you a good start in learning Glimmer GUI DSL keywords, keeping in mind that the full list can be derived from the [SWT documentation](https://www.eclipse.org/swt/widgets/). More will be explained in the following sections.
**Widgets:**
- `button`: featured in [Hello, Checkbox!](#hello-checkbox) / [Hello, Button!](#hello-button) / [Hello, Table!](#hello-table) / [Hello, Radio Group!](#hello-radio-group) / [Hello, Radio!](#hello-radio) / [Hello, Message Box!](#hello-message-box) / [Hello, List Single Selection!](#hello-list-single-selection) / [Hello, List Multi Selection!](#hello-list-multi-selection) / [Hello, Group!](#hello-group) / [Hello, Combo!](#hello-combo) / [Hello, Checkbox Group!](#hello-checkbox-group) / [Contact Manager](#contact-manager) / [Tic Tac Toe](#tic-tac-toe) / [Login](#login)
- `browser`: featured in [Hello, Browser!](#hello-browser)
- `calendar`: featured in [Hello, Date Time!](#hello-date-time)
- `checkbox`: featured in [Hello, Checkbox Group!](#hello-checkbox-group) / [Hello, Checkbox!](#hello-checkbox)
- `checkbox_group`: featured in [Hello, Checkbox Group!](#hello-checkbox-group)
- `combo`: featured in [Hello, Table!](#hello-table) / [Hello, Combo!](#hello-combo)
- `composite`: featured in [Hello, Radio!](#hello-radio) / [Hello, Computed!](#hello-computed) / [Hello, Checkbox!](#hello-checkbox) / [Tic Tac Toe](#tic-tac-toe) / [Login](#login) / [Contact Manager](#contact-manager)
- `date`: featured in [Hello, Table!](#hello-table) / [Hello, Date Time!](#hello-date-time) / [Hello, Custom Shell!](#hello-custom-shell) / [Tic Tac Toe](#tic-tac-toe)
- `date_drop_down`: featured in [Hello, Table!](#hello-table) / [Hello, Date Time!](#hello-date-time)
- `group`: featured in [Hello, Group!](#hello-group) / [Contact Manager](#contact-manager)
- `label`: featured in [Hello, Computed!](#hello-computed) / [Hello, Checkbox Group!](#hello-checkbox-group) / [Hello, Checkbox!](#hello-checkbox) / [Hello, World!](#hello-world) / [Hello, Table!](#hello-table) / [Hello, Tab!](#hello-tab) / [Hello, Radio Group!](#hello-radio-group) / [Hello, Radio!](#hello-radio) / [Hello, Pop Up Context Menu!](#hello-pop-up-context-menu) / [Hello, Menu Bar!](#hello-menu-bar) / [Hello, Date Time!](#hello-date-time) / [Hello, Custom Widget!](#hello-custom-widget) / [Hello, Custom Shell!](#hello-custom-shell) / [Contact Manager](#contact-manager) / [Login](#login)
- `list` (w/ optional `:multi` SWT style): featured in [Hello, List Single Selection!](#hello-list-single-selection) / [Hello, List Multi Selection!](#hello-list-multi-selection) / [Contact Manager](#contact-manager)
- `menu`: featured in [Hello, Menu Bar!](#hello-menu-bar) / [Hello, Pop Up Context Menu!](#hello-pop-up-context-menu) / [Hello, Table!](#hello-table)
- `menu_bar`: featured in [Hello, Menu Bar!](#hello-menu-bar)
- `menu_item`: featured in [Hello, Table!](#hello-table) / [Hello, Pop Up Context Menu!](#hello-pop-up-context-menu) / [Hello, Menu Bar!](#hello-menu-bar)
- `message_box`: featured in [Hello, Table!](#hello-table) / [Hello, Pop Up Context Menu!](#hello-pop-up-context-menu) / [Hello, Message Box!](#hello-message-box) / [Hello, Menu Bar!](#hello-menu-bar)
- `radio`: featured in [Hello, Radio!](#hello-radio) / [Hello, Group!](#hello-group)
- `radio_group`: featured in [Hello, Radio Group!](#hello-radio-group)
- `scrolled_composite`
- `shell`: featured in [Hello, Checkbox!](#hello-checkbox) / [Hello, Button!](#hello-button) / [Hello, Table!](#hello-table) / [Hello, Tab!](#hello-tab) / [Hello, Radio Group!](#hello-radio-group) / [Hello, Radio!](#hello-radio) / [Hello, List Single Selection!](#hello-list-single-selection) / [Hello, List Multi Selection!](#hello-list-multi-selection) / [Hello, Group!](#hello-group) / [Hello, Date Time!](#hello-date-time) / [Hello, Custom Shell!](#hello-custom-shell) / [Hello, Computed!](#hello-computed) / [Hello, Combo!](#hello-combo) / [Hello, Checkbox Group!](#hello-checkbox-group) / [Contact Manager](#contact-manager) / [Tic Tac Toe](#tic-tac-toe) / [Login](#login)
- `tab_folder`: featured in [Hello, Tab!](#hello-tab)
- `tab_item`: featured in [Hello, Tab!](#hello-tab)
- `table`: featured in [Hello, Custom Shell!](#hello-custom-shell) / [Hello, Table!](#hello-table) / [Contact Manager](#contact-manager)
- `table_column`: featured in [Hello, Table!](#hello-table) / [Hello, Custom Shell!](#hello-custom-shell) / [Contact Manager](#contact-manager)
- `text`: featured in [Hello, Computed!](#hello-computed) / [Login](#login) / [Contact Manager](#contact-manager)
- `time`: featured in [Hello, Table!](#hello-table) / [Hello, Date Time!](#hello-date-time)
- Glimmer::UI::CustomWidget: ability to define any keyword as a custom widget - featured in [Hello, Custom Widget!](#hello-custom-widget)
- Glimmer::UI::CustomShell: ability to define any keyword as a custom shell (aka custom window) that opens in a new browser window (tab) automatically unless there is no shell open in the current browser window (tab) - featured in [Hello, Custom Shell!](#hello-custom-shell)
**Layouts:**
- `grid_layout`: featured in [Hello, Custom Shell!](#hello-custom-shell) / [Hello, Computed!](#hello-computed) / [Hello, Table!](#hello-table) / [Hello, Pop Up Context Menu!](#hello-pop-up-context-menu) / [Hello, Menu Bar!](#hello-menu-bar) / [Hello, List Single Selection!](#hello-list-single-selection) / [Hello, List Multi Selection!](#hello-list-multi-selection) / [Contact Manager](#contact-manager) / [Login](#login) / [Tic Tac Toe](#tic-tac-toe)
- `row_layout`: featured in [Hello, Radio Group!](#hello-radio-group) / [Hello, Radio!](#hello-radio) / [Hello, Group!](#hello-group) / [Hello, Date Time!](#hello-date-time) / [Hello, Combo!](#hello-combo) / [Hello, Checkbox Group!](#hello-checkbox-group) / [Hello, Checkbox!](#hello-checkbox) / [Contact Manager](#contact-manager)
- `fill_layout`: featured in [Hello, Custom Widget!](#hello-custom-widget)
- `layout_data`: featured in [Hello, Table!](#hello-table) / [Hello, Custom Shell!](#hello-custom-shell) / [Hello, Computed!](#hello-computed) / [Tic Tac Toe](#tic-tac-toe) / [Contact Manager](#contact-manager)
**Graphics/Style:**
- `color`: featured in [Hello, Custom Widget!](#hello-custom-widget) / [Hello, Menu Bar!](#hello-menu-bar)
- `font`: featured in [Hello, Checkbox Group!](#hello-checkbox-group) / [Hello, Checkbox!](#hello-checkbox) / [Hello, Table!](#hello-table) / [Hello, Radio Group!](#hello-radio-group) / [Hello, Radio!](#hello-radio) / [Hello, Pop Up Context Menu!](#hello-pop-up-context-menu) / [Hello, Menu Bar!](#hello-menu-bar) / [Hello, Group!](#hello-group) / [Hello, Date Time!](#hello-date-time) / [Hello, Custom Widget!](#hello-custom-widget) / [Hello, Custom Shell!](#hello-custom-shell) / [Contact Manager](#contact-manager) / [Tic Tac Toe](#tic-tac-toe)
- `Point` class used in setting location on widgets
- `swt` and `SWT` class to set SWT styles on widgets - featured in [Hello, Custom Shell!](#hello-custom-shell) / [Login](#login) / [Contact Manager](#contact-manager)
**Data-Binding/Observers:**
- `bind`: featured in [Hello, Computed!](#hello-computed) / [Hello, Combo!](#hello-combo) / [Hello, Checkbox Group!](#hello-checkbox-group) / [Hello, Checkbox!](#hello-checkbox) / [Hello, Button!](#hello-button) / [Hello, Table!](#hello-table) / [Hello, Radio Group!](#hello-radio-group) / [Hello, Radio!](#hello-radio) / [Hello, List Single Selection!](#hello-list-single-selection) / [Hello, List Multi Selection!](#hello-list-multi-selection) / [Hello, Group!](#hello-group) / [Hello, Date Time!](#hello-date-time) / [Hello, Custom Widget!](#hello-custom-widget) / [Hello, Custom Shell!](#hello-custom-shell) / [Login](#login) / [Contact Manager](#contact-manager) / [Tic Tac Toe](#tic-tac-toe)
- `observe`: featured in [Hello, Table!](#hello-table) / [Tic Tac Toe](#tic-tac-toe)
- `on_widget_selected`: featured in [Hello, Combo!](#hello-combo) / [Hello, Checkbox Group!](#hello-checkbox-group) / [Hello, Checkbox!](#hello-checkbox) / [Hello, Button!](#hello-button) / [Hello, Table!](#hello-table) / [Hello, Radio Group!](#hello-radio-group) / [Hello, Radio!](#hello-radio) / [Hello, Pop Up Context Menu!](#hello-pop-up-context-menu) / [Hello, Message Box!](#hello-message-box) / [Hello, Menu Bar!](#hello-menu-bar) / [Hello, List Single Selection!](#hello-list-single-selection) / [Hello, List Multi Selection!](#hello-list-multi-selection) / [Hello, Group!](#hello-group) / [Contact Manager](#contact-manager) / [Login](#login) / [Tic Tac Toe](#tic-tac-toe)
- `on_modify_text`
- `on_key_pressed` (and SWT alias `on_swt_keydown`) - featured in [Login](#login) / [Contact Manager](#contact-manager)
- `on_key_released` (and SWT alias `on_swt_keyup`)
- `on_mouse_down` (and SWT alias `on_swt_mousedown`)
- `on_mouse_up` (and SWT alias `on_swt_mouseup`) - featured in [Hello, Custom Shell!](#hello-custom-shell) / [Contact Manager](#contact-manager)
**Event loop:**
- `display`: featured in [Tic Tac Toe](#tic-tac-toe)
- `async_exec`: featured in [Hello, Custom Widget!](#hello-custom-widget) / [Hello, Custom Shell!](#hello-custom-shell)
- `sync_exec`: executes a block on the event loop synchronously (usually from another thread)
- `timer_exec`: executes a block after a delay of time has passed
#### SWT Proxies
Glimmer follows Proxy Design Pattern by having Ruby proxy wrappers for all SWT objects:
- `Glimmer::SWT:WidgetProxy` wraps all descendants of `org.eclipse.swt.widgets.Widget` except the ones that have their own wrappers.
- `Glimmer::SWT::ShellProxy` wraps `org.eclipse.swt.widgets.Shell`
- `Glimmer::SWT:TabItemProxy` wraps `org.eclipse.swt.widget.TabItem` (also adds a composite to enable adding content under tab items directly in Glimmer)
- `Glimmer::SWT:LayoutProxy` wraps all descendants of `org.eclipse.swt.widget.Layout`
- `Glimmer::SWT:LayoutDataProxy` wraps all layout data objects
- `Glimmer::SWT:DisplayProxy` wraps `org.eclipse.swt.widget.Display` (manages displaying GUI)
- `Glimmer::SWT:ColorProxy` wraps `org.eclipse.swt.graphics.Color`
- `Glimmer::SWT:FontProxy` wraps `org.eclipse.swt.graphics.Font`
- `Glimmer::SWT::WidgetListenerProxy` wraps all widget listeners
These proxy objects have an API and provide some convenience methods, some of which are mentioned below.
##### swt_widget
Glimmer SWT proxies come with the instance method `#swt_widget`, which returns the actual SWT `Widget` object wrapped by the Glimmer widget proxy. It is useful in cases you'd like to do some custom SWT programming outside of Glimmer.
##### Shell widget proxy methods
Shell widget proxy has extra methods specific to SWT Shell:
- `#open`: Opens the shell, making it visible and active, and starting the SWT Event Loop (you may learn more about it here: https://help.eclipse.org/2019-12/nftopic/org.eclipse.platform.doc.isv/reference/api/org/eclipse/swt/widgets/Display.html). If shell was already open, but hidden, it makes the shell visible.
- `#show`: Alias for `#open`
- `#hide`: Hides a shell setting "visible" property to false
- `#close`: Closes the shell
- `#center`: Centers the shell within monitor it is in
- `#start_event_loop`: (happens as part of `#open`) Starts SWT Event Loop (you may learn more about it here: https://help.eclipse.org/2019-12/nftopic/org.eclipse.platform.doc.isv/reference/api/org/eclipse/swt/widgets/Display.html). This method is not needed except in rare circumstances where there is a need to start the SWT Event Loop before opening the shell.
- `#visible?`: Returns whether a shell is visible
- `#opened_before?`: Returns whether a shell has been opened at least once before (additionally implying the SWT Event Loop has been started already)
- `#visible=`: Setting to true opens/shows shell. Setting to false hides the shell.
- `#pack`: Packs contained widgets using SWT's `Shell#pack` method
- `#pack_same_size`: Packs contained widgets without changing shell's size when widget sizes change
##### Widget Content Block
Glimmer allows re-opening any widget and adding properties or extra content after it has been constructed already by using the `#content` method.
Example (you may copy/paste in [`girb`](#girb-glimmer-irb-command)):
```ruby
@shell = shell {
text "Application"
row_layout
@label1 = label {
text "Hello,"
}
}
@shell.content {
minimum_size 130, 130
label {
text "World!"
}
}
@label1.content {
foreground :red
}
@shell.open
```
##### Shell Icon
To set the shell icon, simply set the `image` property under the `shell` widget. This shows up in the operating system toolbar and app-switcher (e.g. CMD+TAB) (and application window top-left corner in Windows)
Example:
```ruby
shell {
# ...
image 'path/to/image.png'
# ...
}
```
###### Shell Icon Tip for Packaging on Windows
When setting shell icon for a [packaged](#packaging--distribution) app, which has a JAR file at its core, you can reference the `ico` file that ships with the app by going one level up (e.g. `'../AppName.ico'`)
#### Dialog
Dialog is a variation on Shell. It is basically a shell that is modal (blocks what's behind it) and belongs to another shell. It only has a close button.
Glimmer facilitates building dialogs by using the `dialog` keyword, which automatically adds the SWT.DIALOG_TRIM and SWT.APPLICATION_MODAL [widget styles](#widget-styles) needed for a dialog.
Check out [Hello, Dialog!](#hello-dialog) sample to learn more.
##### message_box
The Glimmer DSL `message_box` keyword is similar to `shell` and `dialog`, but renders a modal dialog with a title `text` property, main body `message` property, and dismissal button(s) only (OK button by default or [more options](https://www.eclipse.org/swt/javadoc.php)). It may also be opened via the `#open` method.
Example (you may copy/paste in [`girb`](#girb-glimmer-irb-command)):
```ruby
include Glimmer
@shell = shell {
text 'Hello, Message Box!'
button {
text 'Please Click To Win a Surprise'
on_widget_selected {
message_box(@shell) {
text 'Surprise'
message "Congratulations!\n\nYou have won $1,000,000!"
}.open
}
}
}
@shell.open
```
It is also possible to use `message_box` even before instantiating the first `shell` ([Glimmer](https://rubygems.org/gems/glimmer) builds a throwaway `shell` parent automatically for it):
Example (you may copy/paste in [`girb`](#girb-glimmer-irb-command)):
```ruby
include Glimmer
message_box {
text 'Greeting'
message "Hello, World!"
}.open
```
#### Display
The SWT `Display` class is a singleton in Glimmer. It is used in SWT to represent your display device, allowing you to manage GUI globally
and access available monitors. Additionally, it is responsible for the SWT event loop, which runs on the first thread the Glimmer application starts on. In multi-threaded programming, `Display` provides the methods `async_exec` and `sync_exec` to enable enqueuing GUI changes asynchronously or synchronously from threads other than the main (first) thread since direct GUI changes are forbidden from other threads by design.
`Display` is automatically instantiated upon first instantiation of a `shell` widget.
Alternatively, for advanced use cases, a `Display` can be created explicitly with the Glimmer `display` keyword. When a `shell` is later declared, it
automatically uses the `display` created earlier without having to explicitly hook it.
```ruby
@display = display {
cursor_location 300, 300
on_swt_keydown {
# ...
}
# ...
}
@shell = shell { # uses display created above
}
```
The benefit of instantiating an SWT Display explicitly is to set [Properties](#widget-properties) or [Observers](#observer).
Although SWT Display is not technically a widget, it has similar APIs and DSL support.
#### Multi-Threading
[JRuby](https://www.jruby.org/) supports [truly parallel multi-threading](https://github.com/jruby/jruby/wiki/Concurrency-in-jruby) since it relies on the JVM (Java Virtual Machine). As such, it enables development of highly-interactive desktop applications that can do background work while the user is interacting with the GUI. However, any code that interacts with the GUI from a thread other than the main (first) GUI thread must do so only through sync_exec (if it is standard synchronous code) or async_exec.
##### async_exec
`async_exec` is a Glimmer DSL keyword in addition to being a method on `display`. It accepts a block and when invoked, adds the block to the end of a queue of GUI events scheduled to run on the SWT event loop, executing asynchronously.
Example (you may copy/paste in [`girb`](#girb-glimmer-irb-command)):
```
@shell = shell {
text 'Glimmer'
@label = label {
text 'Hello, World!'
}
}
Thread.new {
[:red, :dark_green, :blue].cycle { |color|
async_exec {
@label.content {
foreground color if @shell.visible?
}
}
sleep(1)
}
}
@shell.open
```
##### sync_exec
`sync_exec` works just like `async_exec` except it executes the block synchronously at the earliest opportunity possible, waiting for the block to be finished.
#### Menus
Glimmer DSL provides support for SWT Menu and MenuItem widgets.
There are 2 main types of menus in SWT:
- Menu Bar (shows up on top)
- Pop Up Context Menu (shows up when right-clicking a widget)
Underneath both types, there can be a 3rd menu type called Drop Down.
Glimmer provides special support for Drop Down menus as it automatically instantiates associated Cascade menu items and wires together with proper parenting, swt styles, and calling setMenu.
The ampersand symbol indicates the keyboard shortcut key for the menu item (e.g. '&Help' can be triggered on Windows by hitting ALT+H)
Example of a Menu Bar (you may copy/paste in [`girb`](#girb-glimmer-irb-command)):
```ruby
include Glimmer
COLORS = [:white, :red, :yellow, :green, :blue, :magenta, :gray, :black]
shell {
grid_layout {
margin_width 0
margin_height 0
}
text 'Hello, Menu Bar!'
@label = label(:center) {
font height: 50
text 'Check Out The Menu Bar Above!'
}
menu_bar {
menu {
text '&File'
menu_item {
text '&New'
accelerator :command, :N
on_widget_selected {
message_box {
text 'New'
message 'New file created.'
}.open
}
}
menu_item {
text '&Open...'
accelerator :command, :O
on_widget_selected {
message_box {
text 'Open'
message 'Opening File...'
}.open
}
}
menu {
text 'Open &Recent'
menu_item {
text 'File 1'
on_widget_selected {
message_box {
text 'File 1'
message 'File 1 Contents'
}.open
}
}
menu_item {
text 'File 2'
on_widget_selected {
message_box {
text 'File 2'
message 'File 2 Contents'
}.open
}
}
}
menu_item(:separator)
menu_item {
text 'E&xit'
on_widget_selected {
exit(0)
}
}
}
menu {
text '&Edit'
menu_item {
text 'Cut'
accelerator :command, :X
}
menu_item {
text 'Copy'
accelerator :command, :C
}
menu_item {
text 'Paste'
accelerator :command, :V
}
}
menu {
text '&Options'
menu_item(:radio) {
text '&Enabled'
on_widget_selected {
@select_one_menu.enabled = true
@select_multiple_menu.enabled = true
}
}
@select_one_menu = menu {
text '&Select One'
enabled false
menu_item(:radio) {
text 'Option 1'
}
menu_item(:radio) {
text 'Option 2'
}
menu_item(:radio) {
text 'Option 3'
}
}
@select_multiple_menu = menu {
text '&Select Multiple'
enabled false
menu_item(:check) {
text 'Option 4'
}
menu_item(:check) {
text 'Option 5'
}
menu_item(:check) {
text 'Option 6'
}
}
}
menu {
text '&Format'
menu {
text '&Background Color'
COLORS.each { |color_style|
menu_item(:radio) {
text color_style.to_s.split('_').map(&:capitalize).join(' ')
on_widget_selected {
@label.background = color_style
}
}
}
}
menu {
text 'Foreground &Color'
COLORS.each { |color_style|
menu_item(:radio) {
text color_style.to_s.split('_').map(&:capitalize).join(' ')
on_widget_selected {
@label.foreground = color_style
}
}
}
}
}
menu {
text '&View'
menu_item(:radio) {
text 'Small'
on_widget_selected {
@label.font = {height: 25}
@label.parent.pack
}
}
menu_item(:radio) {
text 'Medium'
selection true
on_widget_selected {
@label.font = {height: 50}
@label.parent.pack
}
}
menu_item(:radio) {
text 'Large'
on_widget_selected {
@label.font = {height: 75}
@label.parent.pack
}
}
}
menu {
text '&Help'
menu_item {
text '&Manual'
accelerator :command, :shift, :M
on_widget_selected {
message_box {
text 'Manual'
message 'Manual Contents'
}.open
}
}
menu_item {
text '&Tutorial'
accelerator :command, :shift, :T
on_widget_selected {
message_box {
text 'Tutorial'
message 'Tutorial Contents'
}.open
}
}
menu_item(:separator)
menu_item {
text '&Report an Issue...'
on_widget_selected {
message_box {
text 'Report an Issue'
message 'Reporting an issue...'
}.open
}
}
}
}
}.open
```
Example of a Pop Up Context Menu (you may copy/paste in [`girb`](#girb-glimmer-irb-command)):
```ruby
include Glimmer
shell {
grid_layout {
margin_width 0
margin_height 0
}
text 'Hello, Pop Up Context Menu!'
label {
text "Right-Click on the Text to\nPop Up a Context Menu"
font height: 50
menu {
menu {
text '&History'
menu {
text '&Recent'
menu_item {
text 'File 1'
on_widget_selected {
message_box {
text 'File 1'
message 'File 1 Contents'
}.open
}
}
menu_item {
text 'File 2'
on_widget_selected {
message_box {
text 'File 2'
message 'File 2 Contents'
}.open
}
}
}
menu {
text '&Archived'
menu_item {
text 'File 3'
on_widget_selected {
message_box {
text 'File 3'
message 'File 3 Contents'
}.open
}
}
menu_item {
text 'File 4'
on_widget_selected {
message_box {
text 'File 4'
message 'File 4 Contents'
}.open
}
}
}
}
}
}
}.open
```
#### ScrolledComposite
Glimmer provides smart defaults for the `scrolled_composite` widget by:
- Automatically setting the nested widget as its content (meaning use can just like a plain old `composite` to add scrolling)
- Automatically setting the :h_scroll and :v_scroll SWT styles (can be set manually if only one of either :h_scroll or :v_scroll is desired )
- Automatically setting the expand horizontal and expand vertical SWT properties to `true`
### Widget Styles
SWT widgets receive `SWT` styles in their constructor as per this guide:
https://wiki.eclipse.org/SWT_Widget_Style_Bits
Glimmer DSL facilitates that by passing symbols representing `SWT` constants as widget method arguments (i.e. inside widget `()` parentheses according to [Glimmer Style Guide](#glimmer-style-guide). See example below) in lower case version (e.g. `SWT::MULTI` becomes `:multi`).
These styles customize widget look, feel, and behavior.
Example:
```ruby
# ...
list(:multi) { # SWT styles go inside ()
# ...
}
# ...
```
Passing `:multi` to `list` widget enables list element multi-selection.
```ruby
# ...
composite(:border) { # SWT styles go inside ()
# ...
}
# ...
```
Passing `:border` to `composite` widget ensures it has a border.
When you need to pass in **multiple SWT styles**, simply separate by commas.
Example:
```ruby
# ...
text(:center, :border) { # Multiple SWT styles separated by comma
# ...
}
# ...
```
Glimmer ships with SWT style **smart defaults** so you wouldn't have to set them yourself most of the time (albeit you can always override them):
- `text(:border)`
- `table(:border, :virtual, :full_selection)`
- `tree(:border, :virtual, :v_scroll, :h_scroll)`
- `spinner(:border)`
- `list(:border, :v_scroll)`
- `button(:push)`
You may check out all available `SWT` styles here:
https://help.eclipse.org/2019-12/nftopic/org.eclipse.platform.doc.isv/reference/api/org/eclipse/swt/SWT.html
#### Explicit SWT Style Bit
When building a widget-related SWT object manually (e.g. `GridData.new(...)`), you are expected to use `SWT::CONSTANT` directly or BIT-OR a few SWT constants together like `SWT::BORDER | SWT::V_SCROLL`.
Glimmer facilitates that with `swt` keyword by allowing you to pass multiple styles as an argument array of symbols instead of dealing with BIT-OR.
Example:
```ruby
style = swt(:border, :v_scroll)
```
#### Negative SWT Style Bits
In rare occasions, you might need to apply & with a negative (not) style bit to negate it from another style bit that includes it.
Glimmer facilitates that by declaring the negative style bit via postfixing a symbol with `!`.
Example:
```ruby
style = swt(:shell_trim, :max!) # creates a shell trim style without the maximize button (negated)
```
#### Extra SWT Styles
##### Non-resizable Window
SWT Shell widget by default is resizable. To make it non-resizable, one must pass a complicated style bit concoction like `swt(:shell_trim, :resize!, :max!)`.
Glimmer makes this easier by alternatively ing a `:no_resize` extra SWT style, added for convenience.
This makes declaring a non-resizable window as easy as:
```ruby
shell(:no_resize) {
# ...
}
```
### Widget Properties
Widget properties such as text value, enablement, visibility, and layout details are set within the widget block using methods matching SWT widget property names in lower snakecase. You may refer to SWT widget guide for details on available widget properties:
https://help.eclipse.org/2019-12/topic/org.eclipse.platform.doc.isv/guide/swt_widgets_controls.htm?cp=2_0_7_0_0
Code examples:
```ruby
# ...
label {
text "Hello, World!" # SWT properties go inside {} block
}
# ...
```
In the above example, the `label` widget `text` property was set to "Hello, World!".
```ruby
# ...
button {
enabled bind(@tic_tac_toe_board.box(row, column), :empty)
}
# ...
```
In the above example, the `text` widget `enabled` property was data-bound to `#empty` method on `@tic_tac_toe_board.box(row, column)` (learn more about data-binding below)
#### Color
Colors make up a subset of widget properties. SWT accepts color objects created with RGB (Red Green Blue) or RGBA (Red Green Blue Alpha). Glimmer supports constructing color objects using the `rgb` and `rgba` DSL keywords.
Example:
```ruby
# ...
label {
background rgb(144, 240, 244)
foreground rgba(38, 92, 232, 255)
}
# ...
```
SWT also supports standard colors available as constants under the `SWT` namespace with the `COLOR_` prefix (e.g. `SWT::COLOR_BLUE`)
Glimmer supports constructing colors for these constants as lowercase Ruby symbols (with or without `color_` prefix) passed to `color` DSL keyword
Example:
```ruby
# ...
label {
background color(:black)
foreground color(:yellow)
}
label {
background color(:color_white)
foreground color(:color_red)
}
# ...
```
You may check out all available standard colors in `SWT` over here (having `COLOR_` prefix):
https://help.eclipse.org/2019-12/nftopic/org.eclipse.platform.doc.isv/reference/api/org/eclipse/swt/SWT.html
##### `#swt_color`
Glimmer color objects come with an instance method `#swt_color` that returns the actual SWT `Color` object wrapped by the Glimmer color object. It is useful in cases you'd like to do some custom SWT programming outside of Glimmer.
Example:
```ruby
color(:black).swt_color # returns SWT Color object
```
#### Font
Fonts are represented in Glimmer as a hash of name, height, and style keys.
The style can be one (or more) of 3 values: `:normal`, `:bold`, and `:italic`
Example:
```ruby
# ...
label {
font name: 'Arial', height: 36, style: :normal
}
# ...
```
Keys are optional, so some of them may be left off.
When passing multiple styles, they are included in an array.
Example:
```ruby
# ...
label {
font style: [:bold, :italic]
}
# ...
```
You may simply use the standalone `font` keyword without nesting in a parent if there is a need to build a Font object to use in manual SWT programming outside of widget font property setting.
Example:
```ruby
@font = font(name: 'Arial', height: 36, style: :normal)
```
### Image
The `image` keyword creates an instance of [org.eclipse.swt.graphics.Image](https://help.eclipse.org/2020-09/topic/org.eclipse.platform.doc.isv/reference/api/org/eclipse/swt/graphics/Image.html).
It is a graphics `Image` object (not a widget), but is used used in setting the `image` property on `label` and `background_image` on `composite` (and subclasses)
Glimmer recently included **EXPERIMENTAL** gif animation support for the `background_image` property on `composite' since SWT does not support animation by default. On Windows, it only works inside composites nested under standard shells, not ones that have the SWT styles :on_top or :no_trim
Learn more about images in general at this SWT Image guide: https://www.eclipse.org/articles/Article-SWT-images/graphics-resources.html
#### Image Options
Options may be passed in a hash at the end of `image` arguments:
- `width`: width of image
- `height`: height of image
If only the width or height alone are specified, the other is calculated while maintaining the image aspect ratio.
Example:
```
label {
image 'someimage.png', width: 400, height: 300
}
```
### Cursor
SWT widget `cursor` property represents the mouse cursor you see on the screen when you hover over that widget.
The `Display` class provides a way to obtain standard system cursors matching of the SWT style constants starting with prefix `CURSOR_` (e.g. `SWT::CURSOR_HELP` shows a question mark mouse cursor)
Glimmer provides an easier way to obtain and set `cursor` property on a widget by simply mentioning the SWT style constant as an abbreviated symbol excluding the "CURSOR_" suffix.
Example:
```ruby
shell {
minimum_size 128, 128
cursor :appstarting
}
```
This sets the shell `cursor` to that of `SWT::CURSOR_APPSTARTING`
### Layouts
Glimmer lays widgets out visually using SWT layouts, which can only be set on composite widget and subclasses.
The most common SWT layouts are:
- `FillLayout`: lays widgets out in equal proportion horizontally or vertically with spacing/margin options. This is the ***default*** layout for ***shell*** (with `:horizontal` option) in Glimmer.
- `RowLayout`: lays widgets out horizontally or vertically in varying proportions with advanced spacing/margin/justify options
- `GridLayout`: lays widgets out in a grid with advanced spacing/margin/alignment/indentation options. This is the **default** layout for **composite** in Glimmer. It is important to master.
In Glimmer DSL, just like widgets, layouts can be specified with lowercase underscored names followed by a block containing properties, also lowercase underscored names (e.g. `RowLayout` is `row_layout`).
Example:
```ruby
# ...
composite {
row_layout {
wrap true
pack false
justify true
type :vertical
margin_left 1
margin_top 2
margin_right 3
margin_bottom 4
spacing 5
}
# ... widgets follow
}
# ...
```
If you data-bind any layout properties, when they change, the shell containing their widget re-packs its children (calls `#pack` method automatically) to ensure proper relayout of all widgets.
Alternatively, a layout may be constructed by following the SWT API for the layout object. For example, a `RowLayout` can be constructed by passing it an SWT style constant (Glimmer automatically accepts symbols (e.g. `:horizontal`) for SWT style arguments like `SWT::HORIZONTAL`.)
```ruby
# ...
composite {
row_layout :horizontal
# ... widgets follow
}
# ...
```
Here is a more sophisticated example taken from [hello_computed.rb](samples/hello/hello_computed.rb) sample:
```ruby
shell {
text 'Hello, Computed!'
composite {
grid_layout {
num_columns 2
make_columns_equal_width true
horizontal_spacing 20
vertical_spacing 10
}
label {text 'First &Name: '}
text {
text bind(@contact, :first_name)
layout_data {
horizontal_alignment :fill
grab_excess_horizontal_space true
}
}
label {text '&Last Name: '}
text {
text bind(@contact, :last_name)
layout_data {
horizontal_alignment :fill
grab_excess_horizontal_space true
}
}
label {text '&Year of Birth: '}
text {
text bind(@contact, :year_of_birth)
layout_data {
horizontal_alignment :fill
grab_excess_horizontal_space true
}
}
label {text 'Name: '}
label {
text bind(@contact, :name, computed_by: [:first_name, :last_name])
layout_data {
horizontal_alignment :fill
grab_excess_horizontal_space true
}
}
label {text 'Age: '}
label {
text bind(@contact, :age, on_write: :to_i, computed_by: [:year_of_birth])
layout_data {
horizontal_alignment :fill
grab_excess_horizontal_space true
}
}
}
}.open
```
Check out the samples directory for more advanced examples of layouts in Glimmer.
**Defaults**:
Glimmer composites always come with `grid_layout` by default, but you can still specify explicitly if you'd like to set specific properties on it.
Glimmer shell always comes with `fill_layout` having `:horizontal` type.
This is a great guide for learning more about SWT layouts:
https://www.eclipse.org/articles/Article-Understanding-Layouts/Understanding-Layouts.htm
Also, for a reference, check the SWT API:
https://help.eclipse.org/2019-12/nftopic/org.eclipse.platform.doc.isv/reference/api/index.html
### Layout Data
Layouts organize widgets following common rules for all widgets directly under a composite. But, what if a specific widget needs its own rules. That's where layout data comes into play.
By convention, SWT layouts expect widgets to set layout data with a class matching their class name with the word "Data" replacing "Layout":
- `GridLayout` on a composite demands `GridData` on contained widgets
- `RowLayout` on a composite demands `RowData` on contained widgets
Not all layouts support layout data to further customize widget layouts. For example, `FillLayout` supports no layout data.
Unlike widgets and layouts in Glimmer DSL, layout data is simply specified with `layout_data` keyword nested inside a widget block body, and followed by arguments and/or a block of its own properties (lowercase underscored names).
Glimmer automatically deduces layout data class name by convention as per rule above, with the assumption that the layout data class lives under the same exact Java package as the layout (one can set custom layout data that breaks convention if needed in rare cases. See code below for an example)
Glimmer also automatically accepts symbols (e.g. `:fill`) for SWT style arguments like `SWT::FILL`.
Examples:
```ruby
# ...
composite {
row_layout :horizontal
label {
layout_data { # followed by properties
width 50
height 30
}
}
# ... more widgets follow
}
# ...
```
```ruby
# ...
composite {
grid_layout 3, false # grid layout with 3 columns not of equal width
label {
# layout data followed by arguments passed to SWT GridData constructor
layout_data :fill, :end, true, false
}
}
# ...
```
```ruby
# ...
composite {
grid_layout 3, false # grid layout with 3 columns not of equal width
label {
# layout data set explicitly via an object (helps in rare cases that break convention)
layout_data GridData.new(swt(:fill), swt(:end), true, false)
}
}
# ...
```
If you data-bind any layout data properties, when they change, the shell containing their widget re-packs its children (calls `#pack` method automatically) to ensure proper relayout of all widgets.
**NOTE**: Layout data must never be reused between widgets. Always specify or clone again for every widget.
This is a great guide for learning more about SWT layouts:
https://www.eclipse.org/articles/Article-Understanding-Layouts/Understanding-Layouts.htm
Also, for a reference, check the SWT API:
https://help.eclipse.org/2019-12/nftopic/org.eclipse.platform.doc.isv/reference/api/index.html
### Canvas Shape DSL
Glimmer supports drawing graphics directly on a `canvas` widget via SWT (or any widget for that matter though `canvas` is recommended for drawing).
This is accomplished via the Shape DSL a sub-DSL of the Glimmer GUI DSL, which makes it possible to draw graphics declaratively with very understandable and maintainable syntax.
Shape keywords and their args (including defaults) are listed below (they basically match method names and arguments on [org.eclipse.swt.graphics.GC](https://help.eclipse.org/2020-12/topic/org.eclipse.platform.doc.isv/reference/api/org/eclipse/swt/graphics/GC.html) minus the `draw` or `fill` prefix in downcase):
- `arc(x, y, width, height, startAngle, arcAngle, fill: false)` arc is part of a circle within an oval area, denoted by start angle (degrees) and end angle (degrees)
- `focus(x, y, width, height)` this is just like rectangle but its foreground color is always that of the OS widget focus color (useful when capturing user interaction via a shape)
- `image(image, x, y)` [image](#image)
- `line(x1, y1, x2, y2)` line
- `oval(x, y, width, height, fill: false)` oval if width does not match heigh and circle if width matches height. Can be optionally filled.
- `point(x, y)` point
- `polygon(pointArray, fill: false)` polygon consisting of points, which close automatically to form a shape that can be optionally filled (when points only form a line, it does not show up as filled)
- `polyline(pointArray)` polyline is just like a polygon, but it does not close up to form a shape, remaining open (unless the points close themselves by having the last point or an intermediate point match the first)
- `rectangle(x, y, width, height, fill: false)` standard rectangle, which can be optionally filled
- `rectangle(x, y, width, height, arcWidth = 60, arcHeight = 60, fill: false, round: true)` round rectangle, which can be optionally filled, and takes optional extra round angle arguments
- `rectangle(x, y, width, height, vertical = true, fill: true, gradient: true)` gradient rectangle, which is always filled, and takes an optional extra argument to specify true for vertical gradient (default) and false for horizontal gradient
- `text(string, x, y, flags = nil)` text with optional flags (flag format is `swt(comma_separated_flags)` where flags can be :draw_delimiter (i.e. new lines), :draw_tab, :draw_mnemonic, and :draw_transparent as explained in [GC API](https://help.eclipse.org/2020-12/topic/org.eclipse.platform.doc.isv/reference/api/org/eclipse/swt/graphics/GC.html))
Shape keywords that can be filled with color can take an keyword argument `fill: true`. Defaults to false when not specified unless background is set with no foreground (or foreground is set with no background), in which case a smart default is applied.
Optionally, a shape keyword takes a block that can set any attributes from [org.eclipse.swt.graphics.GC](https://help.eclipse.org/2020-12/topic/org.eclipse.platform.doc.isv/reference/api/org/eclipse/swt/graphics/GC.html) (methods starting with `set`), which enable setting the `background` for filling and `foreground` for drawing.
Here is a list of supported attributes nestable within a block under shapes:
- `advanced` enables advanced graphics subsystem (boolean value). Typically gets enabled automatically when setting alpha, antialias, patterns, interpolation, clipping. Rendering sometimes differs between advanced and non-advanced mode for basic graphics too, so you could enable manually if you prefer its look even for basic graphics.
- `alpha` sets transparency (integer between `0` and `255`)
- `antialias` enables antialiasing (SWT style value of `:default`, `:off`, `:on` whereby `:default` applies OS default, which varies per OS)
- `background` sets fill color for fillable shapes (standard color symbol (e.g. `:red`), `rgb(red_integer, green_integer, blue_integer)` color, or Color/ColorProxy object directly)
- `background_pattern` sets fill gradient/image pattern for fillable shape background (takes the same arguments as the SWT [Pattern](https://help.eclipse.org/2020-12/topic/org.eclipse.platform.doc.isv/reference/api/org/eclipse/swt/graphics/Pattern.html) class [e.g. `background_pattern 2.3, 4.2, 5.4, 7.2, :red, :blue`] / note: this feature isn't extensively tested yet)
- `clipping` clips area of painting (numeric values for `(x, y, width, height)`)
- `fill_rule` sets filling rule (SWT style value of `:fill_even_odd` or `:fill_winding`)
- `font` sets font (Hash of `:name`, `:height`, and `:style` just like standard widget font property, or Font/FontProxy object directly)
- `foreground` sets draw color for drawable shapes (standard color symbol (e.g. `:red`), `rgb(red_integer, green_integer, blue_integer)` color, or Color/ColorProxy object directly)
- `foreground_pattern` sets foreground gradient/image pattern for drawable shape lines (takes the same arguments as the SWT [Pattern](https://help.eclipse.org/2020-12/topic/org.eclipse.platform.doc.isv/reference/api/org/eclipse/swt/graphics/Pattern.html) class [e.g. `foreground_pattern 2.3, 4.2, 5.4, 7.2, :red, :blue`] / note: this feature isn't extensively tested yet)
- `interpolation` sets the interpolation value (SWT style value of `:default`, `:none`, `:low`, `:high`)
- `line_cap` sets line cap (SWT style value of `:cap_flat`, `:cap_round`, or `:cap_square`)
- `line_dash` line dash float values (automatically sets `line_style` to SWT style value of `:line_custom`)
- `line_join` line join style (SWT style value of `:join_miter`, `:join_round`, or `:join_bevel`)
- `line_style` line join style (SWT style value of `:line_solid`, `:line_dash`, `:line_dot`, `:line_dashdot`, or `:line_dashdotdot`)
- `line_width` line width in integer (used in draw operations)
- `text_anti_alias` enables text antialiasing (SWT style value of `:default`, `:off`, `:on` whereby `:default` applies OS default, which varies per OS)
- `transform` sets transform object using [Canvas Transform DSL](#canvas-transform-dsl) syntax
Example (you may copy/paste in [`girb`](#girb-glimmer-irb-command)):
```ruby
include Glimmer
# image object has to be declared outside the canvas and shell to avoid confusing with canvas image property
image_object = image(File.expand_path('./icons/scaffold_app.png'), width: 100)
shell {
text 'Canvas Example'
minimum_size 320, 400
canvas {
background :dark_yellow
rectangle(0, 0, 220, 400) {
background :dark_red
}
rectangle(50, 20, 300, 150, 30, 50, round: true) {
background :yellow
}
rectangle(150, 200, 100, 70, true, gradient: true) {
background :dark_red
foreground :yellow
}
text('Glimmer', 208, 83) {
font height: 25, style: :bold
}
rectangle(200, 80, 108, 36) {
foreground :black
line_width 3
}
image(image_object, 70, 50)
}
}.open
```
Screenshot:
Learn more at the [Hello, Canvas! Sample](#hello-canvas).
If you get extremely stuck, remember that you could always default to direct [SWT GC usage]([org.eclipse.swt.graphics.GC](https://help.eclipse.org/2020-12/topic/org.eclipse.platform.doc.isv/reference/api/org/eclipse/swt/graphics/GC.html) and learn more at the [SWT Graphics Guide](https://www.eclipse.org/articles/Article-SWT-graphics/SWT_graphics.html) and [SWT Image Guide](https://www.eclipse.org/articles/Article-SWT-images/graphics-resources.html#Saving%20Images).
Example of manually doing the same things as in the above example without relying on the declarative Glimmer Shape DSL:
```ruby
image_object = image(File.expand_path('./icons/scaffold_app.png'), width: 100)
include Glimmer
shell {
text 'Canvas Manual Example'
minimum_size 320, 400
canvas {
background :yellow
on_paint_control { |event|
event.gc.set_background(color(:red).swt_color)
event.gc.fill_rectangle(0, 0, 220, 400)
event.gc.set_background(color(:magenta).swt_color)
event.gc.fill_roundRectangle(50, 20, 300, 150, 30, 50)
event.gc.set_background(color(:dark_magenta).swt_color)
event.gc.fill_gradientRectangle(150, 200, 100, 70, true)
event.gc.set_foreground(color(:dark_blue).swt_color)
event.gc.draw_rectangle(200, 80, 108, 36)
event.gc.set_foreground(color(:black).swt_color)
event.gc.set_lineWidth(3)
event.gc.draw_rectangle(200, 80, 108, 36)
event.gc.draw_image(image_object.swt_image, 70, 50)
}
}
}.open
```
In any case, if there is anything missing you would like added to the Glimmer Shape DSL that you saw available in the SWT APIs, you may [report an issue](https://github.com/AndyObtiva/glimmer-dsl-swt/issues) or implement yourself and [contribute](#contributing) via a [Pull Request](https://github.com/AndyObtiva/glimmer-dsl-swt/pulls).
#### Shapes inside a Widget
Keep in mind that the Shape DSL can be used inside any widget, not just `canvas`. Unlike shapes on a `canvas`, which are standalone graphics, when included in a widget, which already has its own look and feel, shapes are used as a decorative add-on that complements its look by getting painted on top of it. For example, shapes were used to decorate `composite` blocks in the [Tetris](#tetris) sample to have a more bevel look. In summary, Shapes can be used in a hybrid approach (shapes inside a widget), not just standalone in a `canvas`.
#### Shapes inside an Image
You can build an image using the Canvas Shape DSL (including setting the icon of the application).
Example (you may copy/paste in [`girb`](#girb-glimmer-irb-command)):
```
include Glimmer
shell {
text 'Image Shape DSL Example'
label {
bevel_constant = 20
icon_block_size = 64
icon_bevel_size = icon_block_size.to_f / 25.to_f
icon_bevel_pixel_size = 0.16*icon_block_size.to_f
icon_size = 8
icon_pixel_size = icon_block_size * icon_size
image(icon_pixel_size, icon_pixel_size) {
icon_size.times { |row|
icon_size.times { |column|
colored = row >= 1 && column.between?(1, 6)
color = colored ? color([:white, :red, :blue, :green, :yellow, :magenta, :cyan, :dark_blue].sample) : color(:white)
x = column * icon_block_size
y = row * icon_block_size
rectangle(x, y, icon_block_size, icon_block_size) {
background color
}
polygon(x, y, x + icon_block_size, y, x + icon_block_size - icon_bevel_pixel_size, y + icon_bevel_pixel_size, x + icon_bevel_pixel_size, y + icon_bevel_pixel_size) {
background rgb(color.red + 4*bevel_constant, color.green + 4*bevel_constant, color.blue + 4*bevel_constant)
}
polygon(x + icon_block_size, y, x + icon_block_size - icon_bevel_pixel_size, y + icon_bevel_pixel_size, x + icon_block_size - icon_bevel_pixel_size, y + icon_block_size - icon_bevel_pixel_size, x + icon_block_size, y + icon_block_size) {
background rgb(color.red - bevel_constant, color.green - bevel_constant, color.blue - bevel_constant)
}
polygon(x + icon_block_size, y + icon_block_size, x, y + icon_block_size, x + icon_bevel_pixel_size, y + icon_block_size - icon_bevel_pixel_size, x + icon_block_size - icon_bevel_pixel_size, y + icon_block_size - icon_bevel_pixel_size) {
background rgb(color.red - 2*bevel_constant, color.green - 2*bevel_constant, color.blue - 2*bevel_constant)
}
polygon(x, y, x, y + icon_block_size, x + icon_bevel_pixel_size, y + icon_block_size - icon_bevel_pixel_size, x + icon_bevel_pixel_size, y + icon_bevel_pixel_size) {
background rgb(color.red - bevel_constant, color.green - bevel_constant, color.blue - bevel_constant)
}
}
}
}
}
}.open
```
Example setting the icon of the application (you may copy/paste in [`girb`](#girb-glimmer-irb-command)):
```
include Glimmer
shell {
text 'Image Shape DSL Example'
label {
text 'Image Shape DSL Example'
font height: 30
}
bevel_constant = 20
icon_block_size = 64
icon_bevel_size = icon_block_size.to_f / 25.to_f
icon_bevel_pixel_size = 0.16*icon_block_size.to_f
icon_size = 8
icon_pixel_size = icon_block_size * icon_size
image(icon_pixel_size, icon_pixel_size) {
icon_size.times { |row|
icon_size.times { |column|
colored = row >= 1 && column.between?(1, 6)
color = colored ? color([:white, :red, :blue, :green, :yellow, :magenta, :cyan, :dark_blue].sample) : color(:white)
x = column * icon_block_size
y = row * icon_block_size
rectangle(x, y, icon_block_size, icon_block_size) {
background color
}
polygon(x, y, x + icon_block_size, y, x + icon_block_size - icon_bevel_pixel_size, y + icon_bevel_pixel_size, x + icon_bevel_pixel_size, y + icon_bevel_pixel_size) {
background rgb(color.red + 4*bevel_constant, color.green + 4*bevel_constant, color.blue + 4*bevel_constant)
}
polygon(x + icon_block_size, y, x + icon_block_size - icon_bevel_pixel_size, y + icon_bevel_pixel_size, x + icon_block_size - icon_bevel_pixel_size, y + icon_block_size - icon_bevel_pixel_size, x + icon_block_size, y + icon_block_size) {
background rgb(color.red - bevel_constant, color.green - bevel_constant, color.blue - bevel_constant)
}
polygon(x + icon_block_size, y + icon_block_size, x, y + icon_block_size, x + icon_bevel_pixel_size, y + icon_block_size - icon_bevel_pixel_size, x + icon_block_size - icon_bevel_pixel_size, y + icon_block_size - icon_bevel_pixel_size) {
background rgb(color.red - 2*bevel_constant, color.green - 2*bevel_constant, color.blue - 2*bevel_constant)
}
polygon(x, y, x, y + icon_block_size, x + icon_bevel_pixel_size, y + icon_block_size - icon_bevel_pixel_size, x + icon_bevel_pixel_size, y + icon_bevel_pixel_size) {
background rgb(color.red - bevel_constant, color.green - bevel_constant, color.blue - bevel_constant)
}
}
}
}
}.open
```
### Canvas Transform DSL
The transform DSL builds [org.eclipse.swt.graphics.Transform](https://help.eclipse.org/2020-12/topic/org.eclipse.platform.doc.isv/reference/api/org/eclipse/swt/graphics/Transform.html) objects with a nice declarative syntax.
`transform` keyword builds a `Transform` object. It optionally takes the transformation matrix elements: (m11, m12, m21, m22, dx, dy)
The first 2 values represent the 1st row, the second 2 values represent the 2nd row, and the last 2 values represent translation on the x and y axes
Additionally, Transform operation keywords may be nested within the `transform` keyword to set its properties:
- `identity` resets transform to identity (no transformation)
- `invert` inverts a transform
- `multiply(&block)` multiplies by another transform (takes a block representing properties of another transform, no need for using the word transform again)
- `rotate(angle)` rotates by angle degrees
- `scale(x, y)` scales a shape (stretch)
- `shear(x, y)` shear effect
- `translate(x, y)` translate x and y coordinates (move)
- `elements(m11, m12, m21, m22, dx, dy)` resets all values of the transform matrix (first 2 values represent the 1st row, second 2 values represent the 2nd row, the last 2 values represent translation on x and y axes)
Also, setting `transform` to `nil` after a previous `transform` has been set is like calling `identity`. It resets the transform.
Example (you may copy/paste in [`girb`](#girb-glimmer-irb-command)):
```ruby
include Glimmer
shell {
text 'Canvas Transform Example'
minimum_size 330, 352
canvas { |canvas_proxy|
background :white
text('glimmer', 0, 0) {
foreground :red
transform {
translate 220, 100
scale 2.5, 2.5
rotate 90
}
}
text('glimmer', 0, 0) {
foreground :dark_green
transform {
translate 0, 0
shear 2, 3
scale 2, 2
}
}
text('glimmer', 0, 0) {
foreground :blue
transform {
translate 0, 220
scale 3, 3
}
}
}
}.open
```
#### Top-Level Transform Fluent Interface
When using a transform at the top-level (outside of shell), you get a fluent interface to faciliate manual constructioni and use.
Example:
```ruby
include Glimmer # make sure it is included in your class/module before using the fluent interface
transform(1, 1, 4, 2, 2, 4).
multiply(1, 2, 3, 4,3,4).
scale(1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6).
rotate(45).
scale(2, 4).
invert.
shear(2, 4).
translate(3, 7)
```
Learn more at the [Hello, Canvas Transform! Sample](#hello-canvas-transform).
### Canvas Animation DSL
(note: this is a very new feature of Glimmer. It may change a bit while getting battle tested. As always, you could default to basic SWT usage if needed.)
Glimmer additionally provides built-in support for animations via a declarative Animation DSL, another sub-DSL of the Glimmer GUI DSL.
Animations take advantage of multi-threading, each animation runs in its own independent thread of execution while updating the GUI asynchronously.
This example says it all (it moves a tiny red square across a blue background) (you may copy/paste in [`girb`](#girb-glimmer-irb-command)):
```ruby
include Glimmer
shell {
text 'Canvas Animation Example'
minimum_size 400, 400
canvas {
animation {
every 0.1
frame { |index|
background rgb(index%100, index%100 + 100, index%55 + 200)
rectangle(index, index, 20, 20) {
background :red
}
}
}
}
}.open
```
Screenshot:
Keywords:
- `animation` declares an animation under a canvas, which renders frames using a frame block indefinitely or finitely depending on (cycle_count/frame_count) properties
- `every` specifies delay in seconds between every two frame renders
- `frame` a block that can contain Shape DSL syntax that is rendered dynamically with variables calculated on the fly
- `cycle` a property that takes an array to cycle into a second variable for the `frame` block
- `cycle_count` an optional cycle count limit after which the animation stops
- `frame_count` an optional frame count limit after which the animation stops
- `started` a boolean indicating if the animation is started right away or stopped waiting for manual startup via `#start` method
API of Animation Object (returned from `animation` keyword):
- `#start` starts an animation that is indefinite or has never been started before (i.e. having `started: false` option). Otherwise, resumes a stopped animation that has not been completed.
- `#stop` stops animation. Maintains progress when `frame_count`, `cycle_count`, or `duration_limit` are set and haven't finished. That way, if `#start` is called, animation resumes from where it stopped exactly to completion.
- `#restart` restarts animation, restarting progress of `frame_count`, `cycle_count`, and `duration_limit` if set.
- `#started?` returns whether animation started
- `#stopped?` returns whether animation stopped
- `#indefinite?` (alias `infinite?`) returns true if animation does not have `frame_count`, `cycle_count`, or `duration_limit`
- `#finite?` returns true if animation has `frame_count`, `cycle_count` (with `cycle`), or `duration_limit`
- `#frame_count_limited?` returns true if `frame_count` is specified
- `#cycle_enabled?` returns true if `cycle` is specified
- `#cycle_limited?` returns true if `cycle_count` is specified
- `#duration_limited?` returns true if `duration_limit` is specified
Learn more at the [Hello, Canvas Animation! Sample](#hello-canvas-animation).
If there is anything missing you would like added to the Glimmer Animation DSL that you saw available in the SWT APIs, you may [report an issue](https://github.com/AndyObtiva/glimmer-dsl-swt/issues) or implement yourself and [contribute](#contributing) via a Pull Request.
### Data-Binding
Data-binding is done with `bind` command following widget property to bind and taking model and bindable attribute as arguments.
#### General Examples
`text bind(contact, :first_name)`
This example binds the text property of a widget like `label` to the first name of a contact model.
`text bind(contact, 'address.street')`
This example binds the text property of a widget like `label` to the nested street of
the address of a contact. This is called nested property data binding.
`text bind(contact, 'address.street', on_read: :upcase, on_write: :downcase)`
This example adds on the one above it by specifying converters on read and write of the model property, like in the case of a `text` widget. The text widget will then displays the street upper case and the model will store it lower case. When specifying converters, read and write operations must be symmetric (to avoid an infinite update loop between the widget and the model since the widget checks first if value changed before updating)
`text bind(contact, 'address.street', on_read: lambda { |s| s[0..10] })`
This example also specifies a converter on read of the model property, but via a lambda, which truncates the street to 10 characters only. Note that the read and write operations are assymetric. This is fine in the case of formatting data for a read-only widget like `label`
`text bind(contact, 'address.street') { |s| s[0..10] }`
This is a block shortcut version of the syntax above it. It facilitates formatting model data for read-only widgets since it's a very common view concern. It also saves the developer from having to create a separate formatter/presenter for the model when the view can be an active view that handles common simple formatting operations directly.
`text bind(contact, 'address.street', read_only: true)
This is read-ohly data-binding. It doesn't update contact.address.street when widget text property is changed.
`text bind(contact, 'addresses[1].street')`
This example binds the text property of a widget like `label` to the nested indexed address street of a contact. This is called nested indexed property data binding.
`text bind(contact, :age, computed_by: :date_of_birth)`
This example demonstrates computed value data binding whereby the value of `age` depends on changes to `date_of_birth`.
`text bind(contact, :name, computed_by: [:first_name, :last_name])`
This example demonstrates computed value data binding whereby the value of `name` depends on changes to both `first_name` and `last_name`.
`text bind(contact, 'profiles[0].name', computed_by: ['profiles[0].first_name', 'profiles[0].last_name'])`
This example demonstrates nested indexed computed value data binding whereby the value of `profiles[0].name` depends on changes to both nested `profiles[0].first_name` and `profiles[0].last_name`.
Example from [samples/hello/hello_combo.rb](samples/hello_combo.rb) sample (you may copy/paste in [`girb`](#girb-glimmer-irb-command)):
#### Combo
The `combo` widget provides a dropdown of options. By default, it also allows typing in a new option. To disable that behavior, you may use with the `:read_only` SWT style.
When data-binding a `combo` widget, Glimmer can automatically deduce available options from data-bound model by convention: `{attribute_name}_options` method.
```ruby
class Person
attr_accessor :country, :country_options
def initialize
self.country_options=["", "Canada", "US", "Mexico"]
self.country = "Canada"
end
def reset_country
self.country = "Canada"
end
end
class HelloCombo
include Glimmer
def launch
person = Person.new
shell {
composite {
combo(:read_only) {
selection bind(person, :country)
}
button {
text "Reset"
on_widget_selected do
person.reset_country
end
}
}
}.open
end
end
HelloCombo.new.launch
```
`combo` widget is data-bound to the country of a person. Note that it expects the `person` object to have the `:country` attribute and `:country_options` attribute containing all available countries (aka options). Glimmer reads these attributes by convention.
#### List
Example from [samples/hello/hello_list_single_selection.rb](samples/hello_list_single_selection.rb) sample:
```ruby
shell {
composite {
list {
selection bind(person, :country)
}
button {
text "Reset"
on_widget_selected do
person.reset_country
end
}
}
}.open
```
`list` widget is also data-bound to the country of a person similarly to the combo widget. Not much difference here (the rest of the code not shown is the same).
Nonetheless, in the next example, a multi-selection list is declared instead allowing data-binding of multiple selection values to the bindable attribute on the model.
Example from [samples/hello/hello_list_multi_selection.rb](samples/hello_list_multi_selection.rb) sample (you may copy/paste in [`girb`](#girb-glimmer-irb-command)):
```ruby
class Person
attr_accessor :provinces, :provinces_options
def initialize
self.provinces_options=[
"",
"Quebec",
"Ontario",
"Manitoba",
"Saskatchewan",
"Alberta",
"British Columbia",
"Nova Skotia",
"Newfoundland"
]
self.provinces = ["Quebec", "Manitoba", "Alberta"]
end
def reset_provinces
self.provinces = ["Quebec", "Manitoba", "Alberta"]
end
end
class HelloListMultiSelection
include Glimmer
def launch
person = Person.new
shell {
composite {
list(:multi) {
selection bind(person, :provinces)
}
button {
text "Reset"
on_widget_selected do
person.reset_provinces
end
}
}
}.open
end
end
HelloListMultiSelection.new.launch
```
The Glimmer code is not much different from above except for passing the `:multi` style to the `list` widget. However, the model code behind the scenes is quite different as it is a `provinces` array bindable to the selection of multiple values on a `list` widget. `provinces_options` contains all available province values just as expected by a single selection `list` and `combo`.
Note that in all the data-binding examples above, there was also an observer attached to the `button` widget to trigger an action on the model, which in turn triggers a data-binding update on the `list` or `combo`. Observers will be discussed in more details in the [next section](#observer).
You may learn more about Glimmer's data-binding syntax by reading the code under the [samples](samples) directory.
#### Table
The SWT Tree widget renders a multi-column data table, such as a contact listing or a sales report.
To data-bind a Table, you need the main model, the collection property, and the text display attribute for each table column.
This involves using the `bind` keyword mentioned above in addition to a special `column_properties` keyword that takes the table column text attribute methods.
It assumes you have defined the table columns via `table_column` widget.
Example:
```ruby
shell {
@table = table {
table_column {
text "Name"
width 120
}
table_column {
text "Age"
width 120
}
table_column {
text "Adult"
width 120
}
items bind(group, :people), column_properties(:name, :age, :adult)
selection bind(group, :selected_person)
on_mouse_up { |event|
@table.edit_table_item(event.table_item, event.column_index)
}
}
}
```
The code above includes two data-bindings:
- Table `items`, which first bind to the model collection property (group.people), and then maps each column property (name, age, adult) for displaying each table item column.
- Table `selection`, which binds the single table item selected by the user to the attribute denoted by the `bind` keyword (or binds multiple table items selected for a table with `:multi` SWT style)
- The `on_mouse_up` event handler invokes `@table.edit_table_item(event.table_item, event.column_index)` to start edit mode on the clicked table item cell, and then saves or cancel depending on whether the user hits ENTER or ESC once done editing (or focus-out after either making a change or not making any changes.)
Additionally, Table `items` data-binding automatically stores each node model unto the SWT TableItem object via `setData` method. This enables things like searchability.
The table widget in Glimmer is represented by a subclass of `WidgetProxy` called `TableProxy`.
TableProxy includes a `search` method that takes a block to look for a table item.
Example:
```ruby
found_array = @table.search { |table_item| table_item.getData == company.owner }
```
This finds a person. The array is a Java array. This enables easy passing of it to SWT `Table#setSelection` method, which expects a Java array of `TableItem` objects.
To edit a table, you must invoke `TableProxy#edit_selected_table_item(column_index, before_write: nil, after_write: nil, after_cancel: nil)` or `TableProxy#edit_table_item(table_item, column_index, before_write: nil, after_write: nil, after_cancel: nil)`.
This automatically leverages the SWT TableEditor custom class behind the scenes, displaying a text widget to the user to change the selected or
passed table item text into something else.
It automatically persists the change to `items` data-bound model on ENTER/FOCUS-OUT or cancels on ESC/NO-CHANGE.
##### Table Selection
Table Selection data-binding is simply done via the `selection` property.
```ruby
selection bind(group, :selected_person)
```
If it's a multi-selection table (`table(:multi)`), then the data-bound model property oughta be a collection.
```ruby
selection bind(group, :selected_people)
```
##### Table Editing
Glimmer provides a custom SWT style for table editing called `:editable` to obviate the need for an `on_mouse_up` listener.
For example, the code above could be simplified as:
```ruby
shell {
@table = table(:editable) {
table_column {
text "Name"
width 120
}
table_column {
text "Age"
width 120
}
table_column {
text "Adult"
width 120
}
items bind(group, :people), column_properties(:name, :age, :adult)
selection bind(group, :selected_person)
}
}
```
Additionally, Glimmer supports the idea of custom editors or no editor per column.
Example:
```ruby
shell {
@table = table(:editable) {
table_column {
text "Name"
width 120
}
table_column {
text "Age"
width 120
editor :spinner
}
table_column {
text "Adult"
width 120
editor :checkbox
}
items bind(group, :people), column_properties(:name, :age, :adult)
selection bind(group, :selected_person)
}
}
```
The example above uses a `spinner` widget editor for the age column since it's an `Integer` and
a `checkbox` widget (`button(:check)`) editor for the adult column since it's a `Boolean`
Here are all the supported types of table editors:
- `text`: expects a `String` property
- `combo`: expects a `String` property accompanied by a matching `property_options` property by convention to provide items to present in the `combo`
- `checkbox`: expects a `Boolean` property
- `radio`: expects a `Boolean` property
- `spinner`: expects an `Integer` property
- `date`: expects a `DateTime` property
- `date_drop_down`: expects a `DateTime` property
- `time`: expects a `DateTime` property
An editor may also take additional arguments (SWT styles such as :long for the date field) that are passed to the editor widget, as well as hash options to
customize the property being used for editing (e.g. property: :raw_name for a :formatted_name field) in case it differs from the property used to display
the data in the table.
Example:
```ruby
shell {
@table = table(:editable) {
table_column {
text "Date of Birth"
width 120
editor :date_drop_down, property: :date_time
}
table_column {
text "Industry"
width 120
# assume there is a `Person#industry_options` property method on the model to provide items to the `combo`
editor :combo, :read_only # passes :ready_only SWT style to `combo` widget
}
items bind(group, :people), column_properties(:formatted_date, :industry)
selection bind(group, :selected_person)
}
}
```
Check out [Hello, Table!](#hello-table) for an actual example including table editors.
[Are We There Yet?](#are-we-there-yet) is an actual production Glimmer application that takes full advantage of table capabilities, storing model data in a database via ActiveRecord. As such, it's an excellent demonstration of how to use Glimmer DSL for SWT with a database.
##### Table Sorting
Glimmer automatically adds sorting support to the SWT `Table` widget.
Check out the [Contact Manager](#contact-manager) sample for an example.
You may click on any column and it will sort by ascending order first and descending if you click again.
Glimmer automatic table sorting supports `String`, `Integer`, and `Float` columns out of the box as well as any column data that is comparable.
In cases where data is nil, depending on the data-type, it is automatically converted to `Float` with `to_f`, `Integer` with `to_i`, or `String` with `to_s`.
Should you have a special data type that could not be compared automatically, Glimmer s the following 3 alternatives for custom sorting:
- `sort_property`: this may be set to an alternative property to the one data-bound to the table column. For example, a table column called 'adult', which returns `true` or `false` may be sorted with `sort_property :dob` instead. This also support multi-property (aka multi-column) sorting (e.g. `sort_property :dob, :name`).
- `sort_by(&block)`: this works just like Ruby `Enumerable` `sort_by`. The block receives the table column data as argument.
- `sort(&comparator)`: this works just like Ruby `Enumerable` `sort`. The comparator block receives two objects from the table column data.
These alternatives could be used inside `table_column` for column-clicked sorting or in the `table` body directly to set the initial default sort.
You may also set `additional_sort_properties` on the parent `table` widget to have secondary sorting applied. For example, if you set `additional_sort_properties :name, :project_name`, then whenever you sort by `:name`, it additionally sorts by `:project_name` afterwards, and vice versa. This only works for columns that either have no custom sort set or have a `sort_property` with one property only (but no sort or sort_by block)
Example:
```ruby
# ...
table {
table_column {
text 'Task'
width 120
}
table_column {
text 'Project'
width 120
}
table_column {
text 'Duration (hours)'
width 120
sort_property :duration_in_hours
}
table_column {
text 'Priority'
width 120
sort_by { |value| ['High', 'Medium', 'Low'].index(value) }
}
table_column {
text 'Start Date'
width 120
sort { |d1, d2| d1.to_date <=> d2.to_date }
}
additional_sort_properties :project_name, :duration_in_hours, :name
items bind(Task, :list), column_properties(:name, :project_name, :duration, :priority, :start_date)
# ...
}
# ...
```
Here is an explanation of the example above:
- Task and Project table columns are data-bound to the `:name` and `:project_name` properties and sorted through them automatically
- Task Duration table column is data-bound to the `:duration` property, but sorted via the `:duration_in_hours` property instead
- Task Priority table column has a custom sort_by block
- Task Start Date table column has a custom sort comparator block
- Additional (secondary) sort properties are applied when sorting by Task, Project, or Duration in the order specified
`bind(model, :property, read_only_sort: true)` could be used with items to make sorting not propagate sorting changes to model.
#### Tree
The SWT Tree widget visualizes a tree data-structure, such as an employment or composition hierarchy.
To data-bind a Tree, you need the root model, the children querying method, and the text display attribute on each child.
This involves using the `bind` keyword mentioned above in addition to a special `tree_properties` keyword that takes the children and text attribute methods.
Example:
```ruby
shell {
@tree = tree {
items bind(company, :owner), tree_properties(children: :coworkers, text: :name)
selection bind(company, :selected_coworker)
}
}
```
The code above includes two data-bindings:
- Tree `items`, which first bind to the root node (company.owner), and then dig down via `coworkers` `children` method, using the `name` `text` attribute for displaying each tree item.
- Tree `selection`, which binds the single tree item selected by the user to the attribute denoted by the `bind` keyword
Additionally, Tree `items` data-binding automatically stores each node model unto the SWT TreeItem object via `setData` method. This enables things like searchability.
The tree widget in Glimmer is represented by a subclass of `WidgetProxy` called `TreeProxy`.
TreeProxy includes a `depth_first_search` method that takes a block to look for a tree item.
Example:
```ruby
found_array = @tree.depth_first_search { |tree_item| tree_item.getData == company.owner }
```
This finds the root node. The array is a Java array. This enables easy passing of it to SWT `Tree#setSelection` method, which expects a Java array of `TreeItem` objects.
To edit a tree, you must invoke `TreeProxy#edit_selected_tree_item` or `TreeProxy#edit_tree_item`. This automatically leverages the SWT TreeEditor custom class behind the scenes, displaying
a text widget to the user to change the selected or passed tree item text into something else. It automatically persists the change to `items` data-bound model on ENTER/FOCUS-OUT or cancels on ESC/NO-CHANGE.
#### DateTime
`date_time` represents the SWT DateTime widget.
Glimmer s the following alias keywords for it for convenience:
- `date`: `date_time(:date)`
- `date_drop_down`: `date_time(:date, :drop_down)`
- `time`: `date_time(:time)`
- `calendar`: `date_time(:calendar)`
You can data-bind any of these properties:
- `date_time bind(model, :property)`: produces a Ruby DateTime object
- `date bind(model, :property)`: produces a Ruby Date object
- `time bind(model, :property)`: produces a Ruby Time object
- `year bind(model, :property)`: produces an integer
- `month bind(model, :property)`: produces an integer
- `day bind(model, :property)`: produces an integer
- `hours bind(model, :property)`: produces an integer
- `minutes bind(model, :property)`: produces an integer
- `seconds bind(model, :property)`: produces an integer
Learn more at the [Hello, Date Time!](#hello-date-time) sample.
If you need a better widget with the ability to customize the date format pattern, check out the [Nebula CDateTime Glimmer Custom Widget](https://github.com/AndyObtiva/glimmer-cw-cdatetime-nebula)
### Observer
Glimmer comes with the `Observer` mixin module, which is used internally for data-binding, but can also be used externally for custom use of the Observer Pattern. It is hidden when observing widgets, and used explicitly when observing models. In bidirectional data-binding, `Observer` is automatically unregistered from models once a widget is disposed to avoid memory leaks and worrying about managing them yourself.
#### Observing Widgets
Glimmer supports observing widgets with two main types of events:
1. `on_{swt-listener-method-name}`: where {swt-listener-method-name} is replaced with the lowercase underscored event method name on an SWT listener class (e.g. `on_verify_text` for `org.eclipse.swt.events.VerifyListener#verifyText`).
2. `on_swt_{swt-event-constant}`: where {swt-event-constant} is replaced with an [`org.eclipse.swt.SWT`](https://help.eclipse.org/2020-06/topic/org.eclipse.platform.doc.isv/reference/api/org/eclipse/swt/SWT.html) event constant (e.g. `on_swt_show` for `SWT.Show` to observe when widget becomes visible)
Additionally, there are two more types of events:
- SWT `display` supports global listeners called filters that run on any widget. They are hooked via `on_swt_{swt-event-constant}`
- SWT `display` supports Mac application menu item observers (`on_about` and `on_preferences`), which you can read about under [Miscellaneous](#miscellaneous).
Number 1 is more commonly used in SWT applications, so make it your starting point. Number 2 covers events not found in number 1, so look into it if you don't find an SWT listener you need in number 1.
**Regarding number 1**, to figure out what the available events for an SWT widget are, check out all of its `add***Listener` API methods, and then open the listener class argument to check its "event methods".
For example, if you look at the `Button` SWT API:
https://help.eclipse.org/2019-12/index.jsp?topic=%2Forg.eclipse.platform.doc.isv%2Freference%2Fapi%2Forg%2Feclipse%2Fswt%2Fbrowser%2FBrowser.html
It has `addSelectionListener`. Additionally, under its `Control` super class, it has `addControlListener`, `addDragDetectListener`, `addFocusListener`, `addGestureListener`, `addHelpListener`, `addKeyListener`, `addMenuDetectListener`, `addMouseListener`, `addMouseMoveListener`, `addMouseTrackListener`, `addMouseWheelListener`, `addPaintListener`, `addTouchListener`, and `addTraverseListener`
Suppose, we select `addSelectionListener`, which is responsible for what happens when a user selects a button (clicks it). Then, open its argument `SelectionListener` SWT API, and you find the event (instance) methods: `widgetDefaultSelected` and `widgetSelected`. Let's select the second one, which is what gets invoked when a button is clicked.
Now, Glimmer simplifies the process of hooking into that listener (observer) by neither requiring you to call the `addSelectionListener` method nor requiring you to implement/extend the `SelectionListener` API.
Instead, simply add a `on_widget_selected` followed by a Ruby block containing the logic to perform. Glimmer figures out the rest.
Let's revisit the Tic Tac Toe example shown near the beginning of the page:
```ruby
shell {
text "Tic-Tac-Toe"
minimum_size 150, 178
composite {
grid_layout 3, true
(1..3).each { |row|
(1..3).each { |column|
button {
layout_data :fill, :fill, true, true
text bind(@tic_tac_toe_board[row, column], :sign)
enabled bind(@tic_tac_toe_board[row, column], :empty)
on_widget_selected {
@tic_tac_toe_board.mark(row, column)
}
}
}
}
}
}
```
Note that every Tic Tac Toe grid cell has its `text` and `enabled` properties data-bound to the `sign` and `empty` attributes on the `TicTacToe::Board` model respectively.
Next however, each of these Tic Tac Toe grid cells, which are clickable buttons, have an `on_widget_selected` observer, which once triggered, marks the cell on the `TicTacToe::Board` to make a move.
**Regarding number 2**, you can figure out all available events by looking at the [`org.eclipse.swt.SWT`](https://help.eclipse.org/2020-06/topic/org.eclipse.platform.doc.isv/reference/api/org/eclipse/swt/SWT.html) API:
https://help.eclipse.org/2019-12/nftopic/org.eclipse.platform.doc.isv/reference/api/org/eclipse/swt/SWT.html
Example (you may copy/paste in [`girb`](#girb-glimmer-irb-command)):
`SWT.Show` - hooks a listener for showing a widget (using `on_swt_show` in Glimmer)
`SWT.Hide` - hooks a listener for hiding a widget (using `on_swt_hide` in Glimmer)
```ruby
shell {
@button1 = button {
text "Show 2nd Button"
visible true
on_swt_show {
@button2.swt_widget.setVisible(false)
}
on_widget_selected {
@button2.swt_widget.setVisible(true)
}
}
@button2 = button {
text "Show 1st Button"
visible false
on_swt_show {
@button1.swt_widget.setVisible(false)
}
on_widget_selected {
@button1.swt_widget.setVisible(true)
}
}
}.open
```
**Gotcha:** SWT.Resize event needs to be hooked using **`on_swt_Resize`** because [`org.eclipse.swt.SWT`](https://help.eclipse.org/2020-06/topic/org.eclipse.platform.doc.isv/reference/api/org/eclipse/swt/SWT.html) has 2 constants for resize: `RESIZE` and `Resize`, so it cannot infer the right one automatically from the underscored version `on_swt_resize`
##### Alternative Syntax
Instead of declaring a widget observer using `on_***` syntax inside a widget content block, you may also do so after the widget declaration by invoking directly on the widget object.
Example (you may copy/paste in [`girb`](#girb-glimmer-irb-command)):
```
@shell = shell {
label {
text "Hello, World!"
}
}
@shell.on_shell_iconified {
@shell.close
}
@shell.open
```
The shell declared above has been modified so that the minimize button works just like the close button. Once you minimize the shell (iconify it), it closes.
The alternative syntax can be helpful if you prefer to separate Glimmer observer declarations from Glimmer GUI declarations, or would like to add observers dynamically based on some logic later on.
#### Observing Models
Glimmer DSL includes an `observe` keyword used to register an observer by passing in the observable and the property(ies) to observe, and then specifying in a block what happens on notification.
```ruby
class TicTacToe
include Glimmer
def initialize
# ...
observe(@tic_tac_toe_board, :game_status) { |game_status|
display_win_message if game_status == Board::WIN
display_draw_message if game_status == Board::DRAW
}
end
# ...
end
```
Observers can be a good mechanism for displaying dialog messages in Glimmer (using SWT's [`MessageBox`](https://help.eclipse.org/2020-06/topic/org.eclipse.platform.doc.isv/reference/api/org/eclipse/swt/widgets/MessageBox.html) class).
Look at [`samples/elaborate/tictactoe/tic_tac_toe.rb`](samples/tictactoe/tic_tac_toe.rb) for more details starting with the code included below.
```ruby
class TicTacToe
include Glimmer
include Observer
def initialize
# ...
observe(@tic_tac_toe_board, :game_status) { |game_status|
display_win_message if game_status == Board::WIN
display_draw_message if game_status == Board::DRAW
}
end
def display_win_message
display_game_over_message("Player #{@tic_tac_toe_board.winning_sign} has won!")
end
def display_draw_message
display_game_over_message("Draw!")
end
def display_game_over_message(message)
message_box(@shell) {
text 'Game Over'
message message_text
}.open
@tic_tac_toe_board.reset
end
# ...
end
```
### Custom Widgets
Custom widgets are brand new Glimmer DSL keywords that represent aggregates of existing widgets (e.g. `address_form`), customized existing widgets (e.g. `greeting_label`), or brand new widgets (e.g. `oscilloscope`)
You can find out about [published Glimmer Custom Widgets](https://github.com/AndyObtiva/glimmer-dsl-swt#gem-listing) by running the `glimmer list:gems:customwidget` command
Glimmer supports three ways of creating custom widgets with minimal code:
1. Method-based Custom Widgets (for single-view-internal reuse): Extract a method containing Glimmer DSL widget syntax. Useful for quickly eliminating redundant code within a single view.
2. Class-based Custom Widgets (for multiple-view-external reuse): Create a class that includes the `Glimmer::UI::CustomWidget` module and Glimmer DSL widget syntax in a `body {}` block. This will automatically extend Glimmer's DSL syntax with an underscored lowercase keyword matching the class name by convention. Useful in making a custom widget available in many views.
Approach #1 is a casual Ruby-based approach. Approach #2 is the official Glimmer approach. Typically, when referring to Custom Widgets, we are talking about Class-based Custom Widgets.
A developer might start with approach #1 to eliminate duplication in a view and later upgrade it to approach #2 when needing to export a custom widget to make it available in many views.
Class-based Custom Widgets a number of benefits over method-based custom widgets, such as built-in support for passing SWT style, nested block of extra widgets and properties, and `before_body`/`after_body` hooks.
#### Simple Example
##### Method-Based Custom Widget Example
(you may copy/paste in [`girb`](#girb-glimmer-irb-command))
Definition and usage in the same file:
```ruby
def red_label(label_text)
label {
text label_text
background :red
}
end
shell {
red_label('Red Label')
}.open
```
##### Class-Based Custom Widget Example
Simply create a new class that includes `Glimmer::UI::CustomWidget` and put Glimmer DSL code in its `#body` block (its return value is stored in `#body_root` attribute). Glimmer will then automatically recognize this class by convention when it encounters a keyword matching the class name converted to underscored lowercase (and namespace double-colons `::` replaced with double-underscores `__`)
(you may copy/paste in [`girb`](#girb-glimmer-irb-command))
Definition:
```ruby
class RedLabel
include Glimmer::UI::CustomWidget
body {
label(swt_style) {
background :red
}
}
end
```
Usage:
```ruby
shell {
red_label(:center) {
text 'Red Label'
foreground :green
}
}.open
```
As you can see, `RedLabel` became the Glimmer DSL keyword `red_label` and worked just like a standard label by taking in SWT style and nested properties. As such, it is a first-class citizen of the Glimmer GUI DSL.
#### Custom Widget Lifecycle Hooks
You may execute code before or after evaluating the body with these lifecycle hooks:
- `before_body`: takes a block that executes in the custom widget instance scope before calling `body`. Useful for initializing variables to later use in `body`
- `after_body`: takes a block that executes in the custom widget instance scope after calling `body`. Useful for setting up observers on widgets built in `body` (set in instance variables) and linking to other shells.
#### Lifecycle Hooks Example
(you may copy/paste in [`girb`](#girb-glimmer-irb-command))
Definition:
```ruby
module Red
class Composite
include Glimmer::UI::CustomWidget
before_body {
@color = :red
}
body {
composite(swt_style) {
background @color
}
}
end
end
```
Usage:
```ruby
shell {
red__composite {
label {
foreground :white
text 'This is showing inside a Red Composite'
}
}
}.open
```
Notice how `Red::Composite` became `red__composite` with double-underscore, which is how Glimmer Custom Widgets signify namespaces by convention. Additionally, the `before_body` lifecycle hook was utilized to set a `@color` variable and use inside the `body`.
Keep in mind that namespaces are not needed to be specified if the Custom Widget class has a unique name, not clashing with a basic SWT widget or another custom widget name.
#### Custom Widget API
Custom Widgets have the following attributes available to call from inside the `#body` method:
- `#parent`: Glimmer object parenting custom widget
- `#swt_style`: SWT style integer. Can be useful if you want to allow consumers to customize a widget inside the custom widget body
- `#options`: a hash of options passed in parentheses when declaring a custom widget (useful for passing in model data) (e.g. `calendar(events: events)`). Custom widget class can declare option names (array) with `::options` class method as shown below, which generates attribute accessors for every option (not to be confused with `#options` instance method for retrieving options hash containing names & values)
- `#content`: nested block underneath custom widget. It will be automatically called at the end of processing the custom widget body. Alternatively, the custom widget body may call `content.call` at the place where the content is needed to show up as shown in the following example.
- `#body_root`: top-most (root) widget returned from `#body` method.
- `#swt_widget`: actual SWT widget for `body_root`
Additionally, custom widgets can call the following class methods:
- `::options(*option_names)`: declares a list of options by taking an option name array (symbols/strings). This generates option attribute accessors (e.g. `options :orientation, :bg_color` generates `#orientation`, `#orientation=(v)`, `#bg_color`, and `#bg_color=(v)` attribute accessors)
- `::option(option_name, default: nil)`: declares a single option taking option name and default value as arguments (also generates attribute accessors just like `::options`)
#### Content/Options Example
(you may copy/paste in [`girb`](#girb-glimmer-irb-command))
Definition:
```ruby
class Sandwich
include Glimmer::UI::CustomWidget
options :orientation, :bg_color
option :fg_color, default: :black
body {
composite(swt_style) { # gets custom widget style
fill_layout orientation # using orientation option
background bg_color # using container_background option
label {
text 'SANDWICH TOP'
}
content.call # this is where content block is called
label {
text 'SANDWICH BOTTOM'
}
}
}
end
```
Usage:
```ruby
shell {
sandwich(:no_focus, orientation: :vertical, bg_color: :red) {
label {
background :green
text 'SANDWICH CONTENT'
}
}
}.open
```
Notice how `:no_focus` was the `swt_style` value, followed by the `options` hash `{orientation: :horizontal, bg_color: :white}`, and finally the `content` block containing the label with `'SANDWICH CONTENT'`
#### Gotcha
Beware of defining a custom attribute that is a common SWT widget property name.
For example, if you define `text=` and `text` methods to accept a custom text and then later you write this body:
```ruby
# ...
def text
# ...
end
def text=(value)
# ...
end
body {
composite {
label {
text "Hello"
}
label {
text "World"
}
}
}
# ...
```
The `text` method invoked in the custom widget body will call the one you defined above it. To avoid this gotcha, simply name the text property above something else, like `custom_text`.
#### Custom Widget Final Notes
This [Eclipse guide](https://www.eclipse.org/articles/Article-Writing%20Your%20Own%20Widget/Writing%20Your%20Own%20Widget.htm) for how to write custom SWT widgets is also applicable to Glimmer Custom Widgets written in Ruby. I recommend reading it:
[https://www.eclipse.org/articles/Article-Writing%20Your%20Own%20Widget/Writing%20Your%20Own%20Widget.htm](https://www.eclipse.org/articles/Article-Writing%20Your%20Own%20Widget/Writing%20Your%20Own%20Widget.htm)
Also, you may check out [Hello, Custom Widget!](#hello-custom-widget) for another example.
### Custom Shells
Custom shells are a kind of custom widgets that have shells only as the body root. They can be self-contained applications that may be opened and hidden/closed independently of the main app.
They may also be chained in a wizard fashion.
You can find out about [published Glimmer Custom Shells](https://github.com/AndyObtiva/glimmer-dsl-swt#gem-listing) by running the `glimmer list:gems:customshell` command
Example (you may copy/paste in [`girb`](#girb-glimmer-irb-command)):
```ruby
class WizardStep
include Glimmer::UI::CustomShell
options :number, :step_count
before_body {
@title = "Step #{number}"
}
body {
shell {
text "Wizard - #{@title}"
minimum_size 200, 100
fill_layout :vertical
label(:center) {
text @title
font height: 30
}
if number < step_count
button {
text "Go To Next Step"
on_widget_selected {
body_root.hide
}
}
end
}
}
end
shell { |app_shell|
text "Wizard"
minimum_size 200, 100
@current_step_number = 1
@wizard_steps = 5.times.map { |n|
wizard_step(number: n+1, step_count: 5) {
on_swt_hide {
if @current_step_number < 5
@current_step_number += 1
app_shell.hide
@wizard_steps[@current_step_number - 1].open
end
}
}
}
button {
text "Start"
font height: 40
on_widget_selected {
app_shell.hide
@wizard_steps[@current_step_number - 1].open
}
}
}.open
```
If you use a Custom Shell as the top-level app shell, you may invoke the class method `::launch` instead to avoid building an app class yourself or including Glimmer into the top-level namespace (e.g. `Tetris.launch` instead of `include Glimmer; tetris.open`)
You may check out [Hello, Custom Shell!](#hello-custom-shell) for another example.
### Drag and Drop
Glimmer s Drag and Drop support, thanks to [SWT](https://www.eclipse.org/swt/) and Glimmer's lightweight [DSL syntax](#glimmer-dsl-syntax).
You may learn more about SWT Drag and Drop support over here: [https://www.eclipse.org/articles/Article-SWT-DND/DND-in-SWT.html](https://www.eclipse.org/articles/Article-SWT-DND/DND-in-SWT.html)
To get started, simply follow these steps:
1. On the drag source widget, add `on_drag_set_data` [DragSourceListener](https://help.eclipse.org/2020-03/topic/org.eclipse.platform.doc.isv/reference/api/org/eclipse/swt/dnd/DragSourceListener.html) event handler block at minimum (you may also add `on_drag_start` and `on_drag_finished` if needed)
1. Set `event.data` to transfer via drag and drop inside the `on_drag_set_data` event handler block (defaults to `transfer` type of `:text`, as in a Ruby String)
1. On the drop target widget, add `on_drop` [DropTargetListener](https://help.eclipse.org/2020-03/topic/org.eclipse.platform.doc.isv/reference/api/org/eclipse/swt/dnd/DropTargetListener.html) event handler block at minimum (you may also add `on_drag_enter` [must set [`event.detail`](https://help.eclipse.org/2020-06/topic/org.eclipse.platform.doc.isv/reference/api/org/eclipse/swt/dnd/DropTargetEvent.html#detail) if added], `on_drag_over`, `on_drag_leave`, `on_drag_operation_changed` and `on_drop_accept` if needed)
1. Read `event.data` and consume it (e.g. change widget text) inside the `on_drop` event handler block.
Example (taken from [samples/hello/hello_drag_and_drop.rb](#hello-drag-and-drop) / you may copy/paste in [`girb`](#girb-glimmer-irb-command)):
```ruby
class Location
attr_accessor :country
def country_options
%w[USA Canada Mexico Columbia UK Australia Germany Italy Spain]
end
end
@location = Location.new
include Glimmer
shell {
text 'Hello, Drag and Drop!'
list {
selection bind(@location, :country)
on_drag_set_data { |event|
list = event.widget.getControl
event.data = list.getSelection.first
}
}
label(:center) {
text 'Drag a country here!'
font height: 20
on_drop { |event|
event.widget.getControl.setText(event.data)
}
}
}.open
```
Optional steps:
- Set a `transfer` property (defaults to `:text`). Values may be: :text (default), :html :image, :rtf, :url, and :file, or an array of multiple values. The `transfer` property will automatically convert your option into a [Transfer](https://help.eclipse.org/2020-03/topic/org.eclipse.platform.doc.isv/reference/api/org/eclipse/swt/dnd/Transfer.html) object as per the SWT API.
- Specify `drag_source_style` operation (may be: :drop_copy (default), :drop_link, :drop_move, :drop_none, or an array of multiple operations)
- Specify `drag_source_effect` (Check [DragSourceEffect](https://help.eclipse.org/2020-06/topic/org.eclipse.platform.doc.isv/reference/api/org/eclipse/swt/dnd/DragSourceEffect.html) SWT API for details)
- Specify `drop_target_style` operation (may be: :drop_copy (default), :drop_link, :drop_move, :drop_none, or an array of multiple operations)
- Specify `drop_target_effect` (Check [DropTargetEffect](https://help.eclipse.org/2020-06/topic/org.eclipse.platform.doc.isv/reference/api/org/eclipse/swt/dnd/DropTargetEffect.html) SWT API for details)
- Set drag operation in `event.detail` (e.g. DND::DROP_COPY) inside `on_drag_enter`
### Miscellaneous
#### Multi-DSL Support
Glimmer is a DSL engine that supports multiple DSLs (Domain Specific Languages):
- [SWT](https://github.com/AndyObtiva/glimmer-dsl-swt): Glimmer DSL for SWT (Desktop GUI)
- [Opal](https://github.com/AndyObtiva/glimmer-dsl-opal): Glimmer DSL for Opal (Web GUI Adapter for Desktop Apps)
- [XML](https://github.com/AndyObtiva/glimmer-dsl-xml): Glimmer DSL for XML (& HTML) - Useful with [SWT Browser Widget](#browser-widget)
- [CSS](https://github.com/AndyObtiva/glimmer-dsl-css): Glimmer DSL for CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) - Useful with [SWT Browser Widget](#browser-widget)
Glimmer automatically recognizes top-level keywords in each DSL and activates DSL accordingly. Glimmer allows mixing DSLs, which comes in handy when doing things like using the SWT Browser widget with XML and CSS. Once done processing a nested DSL top-level keyword, Glimmer switches back to the prior DSL automatically.
##### SWT
The SWT DSL was already covered in detail. However, for the sake of mixing DSLs, you need to know that the SWT DSL has the following top-level keywords:
- `shell`
- `display`
- `color`
- `observe`
- `async_exec`
- `sync_exec`
##### Opal
Full instructions are found in the [Opal](https://github.com/AndyObtiva/glimmer-dsl-opal) DSL page.
The [Opal](https://github.com/AndyObtiva/glimmer-dsl-opal) DSL is simply a web GUI adapter for desktop apps written in Glimmer. As such, it supports all the DSL keywords of the SWT DSL and shares the same top-level keywords.
##### XML
Simply start with `html` keyword and add HTML inside its block using Glimmer DSL syntax.
Once done, you may call `to_s`, `to_xml`, or `to_html` to get the formatted HTML output.
Here are all the Glimmer XML DSL top-level keywords:
- `html`
- `tag`: enables custom tag creation for exceptional cases by passing tag name as '_name' attribute
- `name_space`: enables namespacing html tags
Element properties are typically passed as a key/value hash (e.g. `section(id: 'main', class: 'accordion')`) . However, for properties like "selected" or "checked", you must leave value `nil` or otherwise pass in front of the hash (e.g. `input(:checked, type: 'checkbox')` )
Example (basic HTML / you may copy/paste in [`girb`](#girb-glimmer-irb-command)):
```ruby
@xml = html {
head {
meta(name: "viewport", content: "width=device-width, initial-scale=2.0")
}
body {
h1 { "Hello, World!" }
}
}
puts @xml
```
Output:
```
Hello, World!
```
Example (explicit XML tag / you may copy/paste in [`girb`](#girb-glimmer-irb-command)):
```ruby
puts tag(:_name => "DOCUMENT")
```
Output:
```
```
Example (XML namespaces using `name_space` keyword / you may copy/paste in [`girb`](#girb-glimmer-irb-command)):
```ruby
@xml = name_space(:w3c) {
html(:id => "thesis", :class => "document") {
body(:id => "main") {
}
}
}
puts @xml
```
Output:
```
```
Example (XML namespaces using dot operator / you may copy/paste in [`girb`](#girb-glimmer-irb-command)):
```ruby
@xml = tag(:_name => "DOCUMENT") {
document.body(document.id => "main") {
}
}
puts @xml
```
Output:
```
```
##### CSS
Simply start with `css` keyword and add stylesheet rule sets inside its block using Glimmer DSL syntax.
Once done, you may call `to_s` or `to_css` to get the formatted CSS output.
`css` is the only top-level keyword in the Glimmer CSS DSL
Selectors may be specified by `s` keyword or HTML element keyword directly (e.g. `body`)
Rule property values may be specified by `pv` keyword or underscored property name directly (e.g. `font_size`)
Example (you may copy/paste in [`girb`](#girb-glimmer-irb-command)):
```ruby
@css = css {
body {
font_size '1.1em'
pv 'background', 'white'
}
s('body > h1') {
background_color :red
pv 'font-size', '2em'
}
}
puts @css
```
##### Listing / Enabling / Disabling DSLs
Glimmer provides a number of methods on Glimmer::DSL::Engine to configure DSL support or inquire about it:
- `Glimmer::DSL::Engine.dsls`: Lists available Glimmer DSLs
- `Glimmer::DSL::Engine.disable_dsl(dsl_name)`: Disables a specific DSL. Useful when there is no need for certain DSLs in a certain application.
- `Glimmer::DSL::Engine.disabled_dsls': Lists disabled DSLs
- `Glimmer::DSL::Engine.enable_dsl(dsl_name)`: Re-enables disabled DSL
- `Glimmer::DSL::Engine.enabled_dsls=(dsl_names)`: Disables all DSLs except the ones specified.
#### Application Menu Items (About/Preferences)
Mac applications always have About and Preferences menu items. Glimmer provides widget observer hooks for them on the `display`:
- `on_about`: executes code when user selects App Name -> About
- `on_preferences`: executes code when user selects App Name -> Preferences or hits 'CMD+,' on the Mac
Example (you may copy/paste in [`girb`](#girb-glimmer-irb-command)):
```ruby
class Example
def initialize
display {
on_about {
message_box(@shell_proxy) {
text 'About'
message 'About Application'
}.open
}
on_preferences {
preferences_dialog = dialog {
text 'Preferences'
row_layout {
type :vertical
margin_left 15
margin_top 15
margin_right 15
margin_bottom 15
}
label {
text 'Check one of these options:'
}
button(:radio) {
text 'Option 1'
}
button(:radio) {
text 'Option 2'
}
}
preferences_dialog.open
}
}
@shell_proxy = shell {
text 'Application Menu Items'
fill_layout {
margin_width 15
margin_height 15
}
label {
text 'Application Menu Items'
font height: 30
}
}
@shell_proxy.open
end
end
Example.new
```
#### App Name and Version
Application name (shows up on the Mac in top menu bar) and version may be specified upon [packaging](#packaging--distribution) by specifying "-Bmac.CFBundleName" and "-Bmac.CFBundleVersion" options.
Still, if you would like proper application name to show up on the Mac top menu bar during development, you may do so by invoking the SWT `Display.app_name=` method before any Display object has been instantiated (i.e. before any Glimmer widget like shell has been declared).
Example (you may copy/paste in [`girb`](#girb-glimmer-irb-command)):
```ruby
Display.app_name = 'Glimmer Demo'
shell(:no_resize) {
text "Glimmer"
label {
text "Hello, World!"
}
}.open
```
Also, you may invoke `Display.app_version = '1.0.0'` if needed for OS app version identification reasons during development, replacing `'1.0.0'` with your application version.
#### Performance Profiling
JRuby comes with built-in support for performance profiling via the `--profile` option (with some code shown below), which can be accepted by the `glimmer` command too:
`glimmer --profile path_to_glimmer_app.rb`
Additionally, add this code to monitor Glimmer app performance around its launch method:
```ruby
require 'jruby/profiler'
profile_data = JRuby::Profiler.profile do
SomeGlimmerApp.launch
end
profile_printer = JRuby::Profiler::HtmlProfilePrinter.new(profile_data)
ps = java.io.PrintStream.new(STDOUT.to_outputstream)
```
When monitoring app startup time performance, make sure to add a hook to the top-level `shell` `on_swt_show` event that exits the app as soon as the shell shows up to end performance profiling and get the results.
Example:
```ruby
shell {
# some code
on_swt_show {
exit(0)
}
}
```
You may run `glimmer` with the `--profile.graph` instead for a more detailed output.
Learn more at the [JRuby Performance Profile WIKI page](https://github.com/jruby/jruby/wiki/Profiling-JRuby).
#### Checkbox Group Widget
`checkbox_group` (or alias `check_group`) is a Glimmer built-in custom widget that displays a list of `checkbox` buttons (`button(:check)`) based on its `items` property.
`checkbox_group` consists of a root `composite` (with `grid_layout 1, false` by default) that holds nested `checkbox` (`button(:check)`) widgets.
The `selection` property determines which `checkbox` buttons are checked. It expects an `Array` of `String` objects
The `selection_indices` property determines which `checkbox` button indices are checked. It expects an `Array` of index `Integer` objects that are zero-based.
The `checkboxes` property returns the list of nested `checkbox` widgets.
When data-binding `selection`, the model property should have a matching property with `_options` suffix (e.g. `activities_options` for `activities`) to provide an `Array` of `String` objects for `checkbox` buttons.
You may see an example at the [Hello, Checkbox Group!](#hello-checkbox-group) sample.
#### Radio Group Widget
`radio_group` is a Glimmer built-in custom widget that displays a list of `radio` buttons (`button(:radio)`) based on its `items` property, which expects an `Array` of `String` objects.
`radio_group` consists of a root `composite` (with `grid_layout 1, false` by default) that holds nested `radio` widgets.
The `selection` property determines which `radio` button is selected. It expects a `String`
The `selection_index` property determines which `radio` button index is selected. It expects an index integer that is zero-based.
The `radios` property returns the list of nested `radio` widgets.
When data-binding `selection`, the model property should have a matching property with `_options` suffix (e.g. `country_options` for `country`) to provide text for `radio` buttons.
This custom widget is used in the [Glimmer Meta-Sample (The Sample of Samples)](#samples):
Glimmer Meta-Sample Code Example:
```ruby
# ...
radio_group { |radio_group_proxy|
row_layout(:vertical) {
fill true
}
selection bind(sample_directory, :selected_sample_name)
font height: 24
}
# ...
```
You may see another example at the [Hello, Radio Group!](#hello-radio-group) sample.
#### Code Text Widget
`code_text` is a Glimmer built-in custom widget that displays syntax highlighted Ruby code in a customized SWT [StyledText](https://help.eclipse.org/2020-09/topic/org.eclipse.platform.doc.isv/reference/api/org/eclipse/swt/custom/StyledText.html) widget.
It is used in the [Glimmer Meta-Sample (The Sample of Samples)](#samples):
Glimmer Meta-Sample Code Example:
```ruby
# ...
@code_text = code_text {
text bind(SampleDirectory, 'selected_sample.code', read_only: true)
editable bind(SampleDirectory, 'selected_sample.editable')
}
# ...
```
To use, simply use `code_text` in place of the `text` or `styled_text` widget. If you set its `text` value to Ruby code, it automatically styles it with syntax highlighting.
#### Video Widget
[](https://github.com/AndyObtiva/glimmer-cw-video)
Glimmer supports a [video custom widget](https://github.com/AndyObtiva/glimmer-cw-video) not in SWT.
You may obtain via `glimmer-cw-video` gem.
#### Sash Form Widget
`sash_form` is an SWT built-in custom widget that provides a resizable sash that splits a window area into two or more panes.
It can be customized with the `weights` attribute by setting initial weights to size the panes at first display.
One noteworthy thing about the Glimmer implementation is that, unlike behavior in SWT, it allows declaring `weights` before the content of the `sash_form`, thus providing more natural and convenient syntax (Glimmer automatically takes care of sending that declaration to SWT at the end of declaring `sash_form` content as per the SWT requirements)
Example (you may copy/paste in [`girb`](#girb-glimmer-irb-command)):
```ruby
shell {
text 'Sash Form Example'
sash_form {
label {
text '(resize >>)'
background :dark_green
foreground :white
font height: 20
}
label {
text '(<< resize)'
background :red
foreground :white
font height: 20
}
weights 1, 2
}
}.open
```
You may check out a more full-fledged example in [Hello, Sash Form!](#hello-sash-form)
#### Browser Widget
Glimmer supports the SWT Browser widget, which can load URLs or render HTML. It can even be instrumented with JavaScript when needed (though highly discouraged since it defeats the purpose of using Ruby except in very rare cases like leveraging a pre-existing web codebase in a desktop app).
Example loading a URL (you may copy/paste in [`girb`](#girb-glimmer-irb-command)):
```ruby
shell {
minimum_size 1024, 860
browser {
url 'http://brightonresort.com/about'
}
}.open
```
Example rendering HTML with JavaScript on document ready (you may copy/paste in [`girb`](#girb-glimmer-irb-command) provided you install and require [glimmer-dsl-xml gem](https://github.com/AndyObtiva/glimmer-dsl-xml)):
```ruby
shell {
minimum_size 130, 130
@browser = browser {
text html {
head {
meta(name: "viewport", content: "width=device-width, initial-scale=2.0")
}
body {
h1 { "Hello, World!" }
}
}
on_completed { # on load of the page execute this JavaScript
@browser.swt_widget.execute("alert('Hello, World!');")
}
}
}.open
```
##### SWT Browser Style Options
The `browser` widget can use a particular desktop browser by setting the SWT Style to:
- `:webkit`: use the Webkit browser engine
- `:chromium`: use the Chromium browser engine
Example using the Chromium browser (you may copy/paste in [`girb`](#girb-glimmer-irb-command)):
```ruby
shell {
minimum_size 1024, 860
browser(:chromium) {
url 'http://brightonresort.com/about'
}
}.open
```
This relies on Glimmer's [Multi-DSL Support](#multi-dsl-support) for building the HTML text using [Glimmer XML DSL](https://github.com/AndyObtiva/glimmer-dsl-xml).
## Glimmer Configuration
Glimmer configuration may be done via the `Glimmer::Config` module.
### logger
The Glimmer DSL engine supports logging via a standard `STDOUT` Ruby `Logger` configured in the `Glimmer::Config.logger` config option.
It is set to level Logger::ERROR by default.
Log level may be adjusted via `Glimmer::Config.logger.level` just like any other Ruby Logger.
Example:
```ruby
Glimmer::Config.logger.level = :debug
```
This results in more verbose debug loggging to `STDOUT`, which is very helpful in troubleshooting Glimmer DSL syntax when needed.
Example log:
```
D, [2017-07-21T19:23:12.587870 #35707] DEBUG -- : method: shell and args: []
D, [2017-07-21T19:23:12.594405 #35707] DEBUG -- : ShellCommandHandler will handle command: shell with arguments []
D, [2017-07-21T19:23:12.844775 #35707] DEBUG -- : method: composite and args: []
D, [2017-07-21T19:23:12.845388 #35707] DEBUG -- : parent is a widget: true
D, [2017-07-21T19:23:12.845833 #35707] DEBUG -- : on listener?: false
D, [2017-07-21T19:23:12.864395 #35707] DEBUG -- : WidgetCommandHandler will handle command: composite with arguments []
D, [2017-07-21T19:23:12.864893 #35707] DEBUG -- : widget styles are: []
D, [2017-07-21T19:23:12.874296 #35707] DEBUG -- : method: list and args: [:multi]
D, [2017-07-21T19:23:12.874969 #35707] DEBUG -- : parent is a widget: true
D, [2017-07-21T19:23:12.875452 #35707] DEBUG -- : on listener?: false
D, [2017-07-21T19:23:12.878434 #35707] DEBUG -- : WidgetCommandHandler will handle command: list with arguments [:multi]
D, [2017-07-21T19:23:12.878798 #35707] DEBUG -- : widget styles are: [:multi]
```
The `logger` instance may be replaced with a custom logger via `Glimmer::Config.logger = custom_logger`
To reset `logger` to the default instance, you may call `Glimmer::Config.reset_logger!`
All logging is done lazily via blocks (e.g. `logger.debug {message}`) to avoid affecting app performance with logging when below the configured logging level threshold.
[Glimmer DSL for SWT](https://github.com/AndyObtiva/glimmer-dsl-swt) enhances Glimmer default logging support via the Ruby [`logging`](https://github.com/TwP/logging) gem, enabling buffered asynchronous logging in a separate thread, thus completely unhindering normal desktop app performance.
Other config options related to the [`logging`](https://github.com/TwP/logging) gem are mentioned below.
#### logging_devices
This is an array of these possible values: `:stdout` (default), `:stderr`, `:file`, `:syslog` (default), `:stringio`
It defaults to `[:stdout, :syslog]`
When `:file` is included, Glimmer creates a 'log' directory directly below the Glimmer app local directory.
It may also be customized further via the `logging_device_file_options` option.
This is useful on Windows as an alternative to `syslog`, which is not available on Windows by default.
#### logging_device_file_options
This is a hash of [`logging`](https://github.com/TwP/logging) gem options for the `:file` logging device.
Default: `{size: 1_000_000, age: 'daily', roll_by: 'number'}`
That ensures splitting log files at the 1MB size and daily, rolling them by unique number.
#### logging_appender_options
Appender options is a hash passed as options to every appender (logging device) used in the [`logging`](https://github.com/TwP/logging) gem.
Default: `{async: true, auto_flushing: 500, write_size: 500, flush_period: 60, immediate_at: [:error, :fatal], layout: logging_layout}`
That ensures asynchronous buffered logging that is flushed every 500 messages and 60 seconds, or immediately at error and fatal log levels
#### logging_layout
This is a [`logging`](https://github.com/TwP/logging) gem layout that formats the logging output.
Default:
```
Logging.layouts.pattern(
pattern: '[%d] %-5l %c: %m\n',
date_pattern: '%Y-%m-%d %H:%M:%S'
)
```
### import_swt_packages
Glimmer automatically imports all SWT Java packages upon adding `include Glimmer`, `include Glimmer::UI::CustomWidget`, or `include Glimmer::UI::CustomShell` to a class or module. It relies on JRuby's `include_package` for lazy-importing upon first reference of a Java class.
As a result, you may call SWT Java classes from Glimmer Ruby code without mentioning Java package references explicitly.
For example, `org.eclipse.swt.graphics.Color` can be referenced as just `Color`
The Java packages imported come from the [`Glimmer::Config.import_swt_packages`](https://github.com/AndyObtiva/glimmer-dsl-swt/blob/master/lib/ext/glimmer/config.rb) config option, which defaults to `Glimmer::Config::DEFAULT_IMPORT_SWT_PACKAGES`, importing the following Java packages:
```
org.eclipse.swt.*
org.eclipse.swt.widgets.*
org.eclipse.swt.layout.*
org.eclipse.swt.graphics.*
org.eclipse.swt.browser.*
org.eclipse.swt.custom.*
org.eclipse.swt.dnd.*
```
If you need to import additional Java packages as extra Glimmer widgets, you may add more packages to [`Glimmer::Config.import_swt_packages`](https://github.com/AndyObtiva/glimmer-dsl-swt/blob/master/lib/ext/glimmer/config.rb) by using the `+=` operator (or alternatively limit to certain packages via `=` operator).
Example:
```ruby
Glimmer::Config.import_swt_packages += [
'org.eclipse.nebula.widgets.ganttchart'
]
```
Another alternative is to simply add a `java_import` call to your code (e.g. `java_import 'org.eclipse.nebula.widgets.ganttchart.GanttChart'`). Glimmer will automatically take advantage of it (e.g. when invoking `gantt_chart` keyword)
Nonetheless, you can disable automatic Java package import if needed via this Glimmer configuration option:
```ruby
Glimmer::Config.import_swt_packages = false
```
Once disabled, to import SWT Java packages manually, you may simply:
1. `include Glimmer::SWT::Packages`: lazily imports all SWT Java packages to your class, lazy-loading SWT Java class constants on first reference.
2. `java_import swt_package_class_string`: immediately imports a specific Java class where `swt_package_class_string` is the Java full package reference of a Java class (e.g. `java_import 'org.eclipse.swt.SWT'`)
Note: Glimmer relies on [`nested_imported_jruby_include_package`](https://github.com/AndyObtiva/nested_inherited_jruby_include_package), which automatically brings packages to nested-modules/nested-classes and sub-modules/sub-classes.
You can learn more about importing Java packages into Ruby code at this JRuby WIKI page:
https://github.com/jruby/jruby/wiki/CallingJavaFromJRuby
### loop_max_count
Glimmer has infinite loop detection support.
It can detect when an infinite loop is about to occur in method_missing and stops it.
It detects potential infinite loops when the same keyword and args repeat more than 100 times, which is unusual in a GUI app.
The max limit can be changed via the `Glimmer::Config::loop_max_count=(count)` config option.
Infinite loop detection may be disabled altogether if needed by setting `Glimmer::Config::loop_max_count` to `-1`
### excluded_keyword_checkers
Glimmer permits consumers to exclude keywords from DSL processing by its engine via the `excluded_keyword_checkers` config option.
To do so, add a proc to it that returns a boolean indicating if a keyword is excluded or not.
Note that this proc runs within the context of the Glimmer object (as in the object mixing in the Glimmer module), so checker can can pretend to run there with its `self` object assumption.
Example of keywords excluded by [glimmer-dsl-swt](https://github.com/AndyObtiva/glimmer-dsl-swt):
```ruby
Glimmer::Config.excluded_keyword_checkers << lambda do |method_symbol, *args|
method = method_symbol.to_s
result = false
result ||= method.start_with?('on_swt_') && is_a?(Glimmer::UI::CustomWidget) && respond_to?(method)
result ||= method == 'dispose' && is_a?(Glimmer::UI::CustomWidget) && respond_to?(method)
result ||= ['drag_source_proxy', 'drop_target_proxy'].include?(method) && is_a?(Glimmer::UI::CustomWidget)
result ||= method == 'post_initialize_child'
result ||= method.end_with?('=')
result ||= ['finish_edit!', 'search', 'all_tree_items', 'depth_first_search'].include?(method) && is_a?(Glimmer::UI::CustomWidget) && body_root.respond_to?(method)
end
```
### log_excluded_keywords
(default = false)
This just tells Glimmer whether to log excluded keywords or not (at the debug level). It is off by default.
### auto_sync_exec
(default = false)
This automatically uses sync_exec on GUI calls from threads other than the main GUI thread instead of requiring users to manually use sync_exec. Default value to false.
Keep in mind the caveat that it would force redraws on every minor changein the models instead of applying large scope changes all together, thus causing too much drawing/stutter in the GUI. As such, this is a good fit for simpler GUIs, not ones used with highly sophisticated 2D graphics. It may be mitigated in the future by introducing the idea of large-scale observation events that wrap around smaller events. Until then, keep the caveat in mind or just use sync_exec manually as usually done with Java SWT apps.
## Glimmer Style Guide
- Widgets are declared with underscored lowercase versions of their SWT names minus the SWT package name.
- Widget declarations may optionally have arguments and be followed by a block (to contain properties and content)
- Widget blocks are always declared with curly braces
- Widget arguments are always wrapped inside parentheses
- Widget properties are declared with underscored lowercase versions of the SWT properties
- Widget property declarations always have arguments and never take a block
- Widget property arguments are never wrapped inside parentheses
- Widget listeners are always declared starting with `on_` prefix and affixing listener event method name afterwards in underscored lowercase form
- Widget listeners are always followed by a block using curly braces (Only when declared in DSL. When invoked on widget object directly outside of GUI declarations, standard Ruby conventions apply)
- Data-binding is done via `bind` keyword, which always takes arguments wrapped in parentheses
- Custom widget body, before_body, and after_body blocks open their blocks and close them with curly braces.
- Custom widgets receive additional arguments to SWT style called options. These are passed as the last argument inside the parentheses, a hash of option names pointing to values.
## SWT Reference
https://www.eclipse.org/swt/docs.php
Here is the SWT API:
https://help.eclipse.org/2019-12/nftopic/org.eclipse.platform.doc.isv/reference/api/index.html
Here is a visual list of SWT widgets:
https://www.eclipse.org/swt/widgets/
Here is a textual list of SWT widgets:
https://help.eclipse.org/2019-12/topic/org.eclipse.platform.doc.isv/guide/swt_widgets_controls.htm?cp=2_0_7_0_0
Here is a list of SWT style bits as used in widget declaration:
https://wiki.eclipse.org/SWT_Widget_Style_Bits
Here is a SWT style bit constant reference:
https://help.eclipse.org/2019-12/nftopic/org.eclipse.platform.doc.isv/reference/api/org/eclipse/swt/SWT.html
Here is an SWT Drag and Drop guide:
https://www.eclipse.org/articles/Article-SWT-DND/DND-in-SWT.html
Here is an SWT Custom Widget guide:
https://www.eclipse.org/articles/Article-Writing%20Your%20Own%20Widget/Writing%20Your%20Own%20Widget.htm
Here is an SWT Image guide:
https://www.eclipse.org/articles/Article-SWT-images/graphics-resources.html
Here is an SWT Graphics / Canvas-Drawing guide:
https://www.eclipse.org/articles/Article-SWT-graphics/SWT_graphics.html
Here is the Nebula Project (custom widget library) homepage:
https://www.eclipse.org/nebula/
## Samples
Check the [samples](samples) directory in [glimmer-dsl-swt](https://github.com/AndyObtiva/glimmer-dsl-swt) for examples on how to write Glimmer applications. To run a sample, make sure to install the `glimmer` gem first and then use the `glimmer samples` command to run it (alternatively, you may clone the repo, follow [CONTRIBUTING.md](CONTRIBUTING.md) instructions, and run samples locally with development glimmer command: `bin/glimmer`).
You may run any sample via this command:
```
glimmer samples
```
This brings up the [Glimmer Meta-Sample (The Sample of Samples)](samples/elaborate/meta_sample.rb)
You may edit the code of any sample before launching it by clicking on the "Launch" button. This helps you learn by experimenting with Glimmer GUI DSL syntax. To go back to original code, simply hit the "Reset" button.
Note that if you fail to run any sample through the Glimmer Meta-Sample for whatever reason, you could always run directly by cloning the project, running `bundle`, and then this command (drop the "bin" if you install the glimmer-dsl-swt gem instead):
```ruby
bin/glimmer samples/hello/hello_canvas_transform.rb
```
### Hello Samples
For hello-type simple samples, check the following.
#### Hello, World! Sample
Code:
[samples/hello/hello_world.rb](samples/hello/hello_world.rb)
#### Hello, Tab!
Code:
[samples/hello/hello_tab.rb](samples/hello/hello_tab.rb)
#### Hello, Combo!
This sample demonstrates combo data-binding.
Code:
[samples/hello/hello_combo.rb](samples/hello/hello_combo.rb)
#### Hello, List Single Selection!
This sample demonstrates list single-selection data-binding.
Code:
[samples/hello/hello_list_single_selection.rb](samples/hello/hello_list_single_selection.rb)
#### Hello, List Multi Selection!
This sample demonstrates list multi-selection data-binding.
Code:
[samples/hello/hello_list_multi_selection.rb](samples/hello/hello_list_multi_selection.rb)
#### Hello, Computed!
This sample demonstrates computed data-binding.
Code:
[samples/hello/hello_computed.rb](samples/hello/hello_computed.rb)
#### Hello, Message Box!
This sample demonstrates a `message_box` dialog.
Code:
[samples/hello/hello_message_box.rb](samples/hello/hello_message_box.rb)
#### Hello, Browser!
This sample demonstrates the `browser` widget.
Code:
[samples/hello/hello_browser.rb](samples/hello/hello_browser.rb)
#### Hello, Drag and Drop!
This sample demonstrates drag and drop in Glimmer.
Code:
[samples/hello/hello_drag_and_drop.rb](samples/hello/hello_drag_and_drop.rb)
#### Hello, Menu Bar!
This sample demonstrates menus in Glimmer, including accelerators on the Mac.
Code:
[samples/hello/hello_menu_bar.rb](samples/hello/hello_menu_bar.rb)
The Mac Menu includes Accelerator Keys (keyboard shortcuts).
The Mac Menu includes Accelerator Keys (keyboard shortcuts).
The Mac Menu includes Accelerator Keys (keyboard shortcuts) and Mac built-in Search.
#### Hello, Pop Up Context Menu!
This sample demonstrates pop up context menus in Glimmer.
Code:
[samples/hello/hello_pop_up_context_menu.rb](samples/hello/hello_pop_up_context_menu.rb)
#### Hello, Custom Widget!
This sample demonstrates the use of a custom widget in Glimmer.
Code:
[samples/hello/hello_custom_widget.rb](samples/hello/hello_custom_widget.rb)
#### Hello, Custom Shell!
This sample demonstrates the use of a custom shell (aka custom window) in Glimmer.
Code:
[samples/hello/hello_custom_shell.rb](samples/hello/hello_custom_shell.rb)
#### Hello, Sash Form!
This sample demonstrates the use of a `sash_form` in Glimmer.
Code:
[samples/hello/hello_sash_form.rb](samples/hello/hello_sash_form.rb)
Hello, Sash Form! Horizontal Orientation
Hello, Sash Form! Resized
Hello, Sash Form! Sash Width Changed
Hello, Sash Form! Vertical Orientation
Hello, Sash Form! Green Label Maximized
Hello, Sash Form! Red Label Maximized
#### Hello, Styled Text!
This sample demonstrates the use of a `styled_text` in Glimmer.
Code:
[samples/hello/hello_styled_text.rb](samples/hello/hello_styled_text.rb)
Hello, Styled Text!
#### Hello, Expand Bar!
This sample demonstrates the use of a `expand_bar` and `expand_item` in Glimmer.
Code:
[samples/hello/hello_expand_bar.rb](samples/hello/hello_expand_bar.rb)
Hello, Expand Bar! All Expanded
Hello, Expand Bar! Productivity Expanded
Hello, Expand Bar! Tools Expanded
Hello, Expand Bar! Reading Expanded
#### Hello, Radio!
This sample demonstrates the use of a `radio` (aka `button(:radio)`) in Glimmer.
Code:
[samples/hello/hello_radio.rb](samples/hello/hello_radio.rb)
Hello, Radio!
#### Hello, Radio Group!
This sample demonstrates the use of a `radio_group` in Glimmer, which provides terser syntax for representing multiple radio buttons by relying on data-binding to automatically spawn the `radio` widgets based on available options on the model.
Code:
[samples/hello/hello_radio_group.rb](samples/hello/hello_radio_group.rb)
Hello, Radio Group!
#### Hello, Group!
This sample demonstrates the use of a `group` in Glimmer (not to be confused with the logical radio group custom widget, this is just an alternative to `composite` that provides a border around content).
Code:
[samples/hello/hello_group.rb](samples/hello/hello_group.rb)
Hello, Group!
#### Hello, Checkbox!
This sample demonstrates the use of a `checkbox` (aka `check` or `button(:check)`) in Glimmer.
Code:
[samples/hello/hello_checkbox.rb](samples/hello/hello_checkbox.rb)
Hello, Checkbox!
#### Hello, Checkbox Group!
This sample demonstrates the use of a `checkbox_group` (aka `check_group`) in Glimmer, which provides terser syntax for representing multiple checkbox buttons (`button(:check)`) by relying on data-binding to automatically spawn the `checkbox` widgets (`button(:check)`) based on available options on the model.
Code:
[samples/hello/hello_checkbox_group.rb](samples/hello/hello_checkbox_group.rb)
Hello, Checkbox Group!
#### Hello, Directory Dialog!
This sample demonstrates the use of a `directory_dialog` in Glimmer.
Code:
[samples/hello/hello_directory_dialog.rb](samples/hello/hello_directory_dialog.rb)
Hello, Directory Dialog!
Hello, Directory Dialog! Browse...
Hello, Directory Dialog! Selected Directory
#### Hello, File Dialog!
This sample demonstrates the use of a `file_dialog` in Glimmer.
Code:
[samples/hello/hello_file_dialog.rb](samples/hello/hello_file_dialog.rb)
Hello, File Dialog!
Hello, File Dialog! Browse...
Hello, File Dialog! Selected File
#### Hello, Date Time!
This sample demonstrates the use of [date_time](#datetime) widget keywords in Glimmer: `date`, `date_drop_down`, `time`, and `calendar`
Code:
[samples/hello/hello_date_time.rb](samples/hello/hello_date_time.rb)
Hello, Date Time!
#### Hello, Spinner!
This sample demonstrates the use of `spinner` widget in Glimmer
Code:
[samples/hello/hello_spinner.rb](samples/hello/hello_spinner.rb)
Hello, Spinner!
#### Hello, Table!
This sample demonstrates the use of [table](#table) widget in Glimmer, including data-binding, multi-type editing, sorting, and filtering.
Code:
[samples/hello/hello_table.rb](samples/hello/hello_table.rb)
Hello, Table!
Hello, Table! Editing Game Date
Hello, Table! Editing Game Time
Hello, Table! Editing Home Team
Hello, Table! Sorted Game Date Ascending
Hello, Table! Sorted Game Date Descending
Hello, Table! Playoff Type Combo
Hello, Table! Playoff Type Changed
Hello, Table! Game Booked
Hello, Table! Context Menu
#### Hello, Button!
This sample demonstrates the use of the `button` widget in Glimmer, including data-binding and click event triggering via `on_widget_selected`.
Code:
[samples/hello/hello_button.rb](samples/hello/hello_button.rb)
Hello, Button!
Hello, Button! Incremented 7 times!
#### Hello, Link!
This sample demonstrates the use of the `link` widget in Glimmer, including identifying which link was clicked and performing an action (displaying help) based on its location.
Code:
[samples/hello/hello_link.rb](samples/hello/hello_link.rb)
Hello, Link!
Hello, Link! Clicked
#### Hello, Dialog!
This sample demonstrates the use of the `dialog` widget in Glimmer, which provides a modal `shell` that blocks shells beneath it until closed. And unlike `message_box`, it can contain arbitrary widgets (not just a message).
Code:
[samples/hello/hello_dialog.rb](samples/hello/hello_dialog.rb)
Hello, Dialog!
Hello, Dialog! Open Dialog
#### Hello, Canvas!
This sample demonstrates the use of the `canvas` widget and [Shape DSL](#canvas-shape-dsl) in Glimmer.
Code:
[samples/hello/hello_canvas.rb](samples/hello/hello_canvas.rb)
Hello, Canvas!
#### Hello, Canvas Animation!
This sample demonstrates the use of the `canvas` widget and [Animation DSL](#canvas-animation-dsl) in Glimmer.
Code:
[samples/hello/hello_canvas_animation.rb](samples/hello/hello_canvas_animation.rb)
Hello, Canvas Animation!
Hello, Canvas Animation Another Frame!
#### Hello, Canvas Transform!
This sample demonstrates the use of the `transform` keyword as part of the [Transform DSL](#canvas-transform-dsl) within the [Shape DSL](#canvas-shape-dsl).
Code:
[samples/hello/hello_canvas_transform.rb](samples/hello/hello_canvas_transform.rb)
Hello, Canvas Transform!
### Elaborate Samples
For more elaborate samples, check the following:
#### User Profile
This sample was used in the [DZone Article about Glimmer](https://dzone.com/articles/an-introduction-glimmer), demonstrating Glimmer widgets in general.
Please note that the code has changed since that article was written (the GUI DSL has been improved/simplified), so use the code sample mentioned here instead as the correct version.
Code:
[samples/elaborate/user_profile.rb](samples/elaborate/user_profile.rb)
#### Login
This sample demonstrates basic data-binding, password and text fields, and field enablement data-binding.
Code:
[samples/elaborate/login.rb](samples/elaborate/login.rb)
#### Tic Tac Toe Sample
This sample demonstrates a full MVC application, including GUI layout, text and enablement data-binding, and test-driven development (has [specs](https://github.com/AndyObtiva/glimmer-dsl-swt/blob/master/spec/samples/elaborate/tic_tac_toe/board_spec.rb)).
Code:
(Please note that on some Linux instances where the display x-axis is set to double-scale, you need to set the `shell` `minimum_size` to `300, 178` instead of `150, 178`)
[samples/elaborate/tic_tac_toe.rb](samples/elaborate/tic_tac_toe.rb)
#### Contact Manager Sample
This sample demonstrates table data-binding, sorting, filtering, GUI layout, MVP pattern, and test-driven development (has [specs](https://github.com/AndyObtiva/glimmer-dsl-swt/blob/master/spec/samples/elaborate/contact_manager/contact_manager_presenter_spec.rb)).
Code:
[samples/elaborate/contact_manager.rb](samples/elaborate/contact_manager.rb)
Contact Manager
Contact Manager - Find
Contact Manager - Edit Started
Contact Manager - Edit In Progress
Contact Manager - Edit Done
#### Tetris
This sample demonstrates how to build an interactive animated game with MVC architecture, custom-shell/custom-widgets, multi-threading, asynchronous programming, data-binding, canvas shape graphic decorations, canvas shape icon image generation, and keyboard events/shortcuts.
Code:
[samples/elaborate/tetris.rb](samples/elaborate/tetris.rb)
### External Samples
#### Glimmer Calculator
[
Glimmer Calculator](https://github.com/AndyObtiva/glimmer-cs-calculator) is a basic calculator sample app demonstrating data-binding and TDD (test-driven-development) with Glimmer following the MVP pattern (Model-View-Presenter).
[
](https://github.com/AndyObtiva/glimmer-cs-calculator)
#### Gladiator
[
Gladiator](https://github.com/AndyObtiva/glimmer-cs-gladiator) (short for Glimmer Editor) is a Glimmer sample project under on-going development.
You may check it out to learn how to build a Glimmer Custom Shell gem.
[
](https://github.com/AndyObtiva/glimmer-cs-gladiator)
Gladiator is a good demonstration of:
- MVP Pattern
- Tree data-binding
- List data-binding
- Text selection data-binding
- Tabs
- Context menus
- Custom Shell
- Custom widget
#### Timer
[
Timer](https://github.com/AndyObtiva/glimmer-cs-timer) is a sample app demonstrating data-binding, multi-threading, and JSound (Java Sound) library integration in a desktop application.
[
](https://github.com/AndyObtiva/glimmer-cs-timer)
## In Production
The following production apps have been built with Glimmer.
If you have a Glimmer app you would like referenced here, please mention in a Pull Request.
### Math Bowling
[Math Bowling](https://github.com/AndyObtiva/MathBowling): an educational math game for elementary level kids
### Are We There Yet?
[Are We There Yet?](https://github.com/AndyObtiva/are-we-there-yet): A tool that helps you learn when your small projects will finish
### Garderie Rainbow Daily Agenda
[
Garderie Rainbow Daily Agenda](https://github.com/AndyObtiva/garderie_rainbow_daily_agenda): A child nursery daily agenda reporting desktop app
## Packaging & Distribution
Note: this section mostly applies to Mac and Windows. On Linux, you can just run `glimmer package:gem` and after installing the gem, you get an executable matching the name of the app/custom-shell-gem you are building (e.g. `calculator` command becomes available after installing the [glimmer-cs-calculator](https://github.com/AndyObtiva/glimmer-cs-calculator) gem)
Note 2: Glimmer packaging has a strong dependency on JDK8 at the moment. JDK9 & JDK10 might work, but JDK11 and onward definitely won't since they dropped javapackager, which later came back as jpackage in JDK14, but it's not ready for prime time yet. Just stick to JDK8 for now, strongly supported by Oracle for the next 6 years at least.
Glimmer simplifies the process of native-executable packaging and distribution on Mac and Windows via a single `glimmer package` command:
```
glimmer package
```
It works out of the box for any application scaffolded by [Glimmer Scaffolding](#scaffolding), generating all available packaging types on the current platform (e.g. `DMG`, `PKG`, `APP` on the Mac) and displaying a message indicating what pre-requisite setup tools are needed if not installed already (e.g. [Wix Toolset](https://wixtoolset.org/) to generate MSI files on Windows)
You may choose to generate a specific type of packaging instead by addionally passing in the `[type]` option. For example, this generates an MSI setup file on Windows:
```
glimmer package[msi]
```
- Available Mac packaging types are `dmg`, `pkg`, and `image` (image means a pure Mac `app` without a setup program)
- Available Windows packaging types are `msi`, `exe`, and `image` (image means a Windows application directory without a setup program). Learn more about Windows packaging are [over here](#windows-application-packaging).
Note: if you are using Glimmer manually, to make the `glimmer package` command available, you must add the following line to your application `Rakefile` (automatically done for you if you scaffold an app or gem with `glimmer scaffold[AppName]` or `glimmer scaffold:gem:customshell[GemName]`):
```ruby
require 'glimmer/rake_task'
```
The Glimmer packaging process done in the `glimmer package` command consists of the following steps:
1. Generate gemspec via [Juwelier](https://rubygems.org/gems/juwelier) (`glimmer package:gemspec`): Having a gemspec is required by the [`jar-dependencies`](https://github.com/mkristian/jar-dependencies) JRuby gem, used by JRuby libraries to declare JAR dependencies.
1. Lock JAR versions (`glimmer package:lock_jars`): This locks versions of JAR dependencies leveraged by the `jar-dependencies` JRuby gem, downloading them into the `./vendor` directory so they would get inside the top-level Glimmer app/gem JAR file.
1. Generate [Warbler](https://github.com/jruby/warbler) config (`glimmer package:config`): Generates initial Warbler config file (under `./config/warble.rb`) to use for generating JAR file.
1. Generate JAR file using [Warbler](https://github.com/jruby/warbler) (`glimmer package:jar`): Enables bundling a Glimmer app into a JAR file under the `./dist` directory
1. Generate native executable using [javapackager](https://docs.oracle.com/javase/8/docs/technotes/tools/unix/javapackager.html) (`glimmer package:native`): Enables packaging a JAR file as a DMG/PKG/APP file on Mac, MSI/EXE/APP on Windows, and DEB/RPM/APP on Linux (Glimmer does not officially support Linux with the `glimmer package` command yet, but it generates the JAR file successfully, and you could use `javapackager` manually afterwards if needed).
Those steps automatically ensure generating a JAR file under the `./dist` directory using [Warbler](https://github.com/jruby/warbler), which is then used to automatically generate a DMG/MSI file (and other executables) under the `./packages/bundles` directory using `javapackager`.
The JAR file name will match your application local directory name (e.g. `MathBowling.jar` for `~/code/MathBowling`)
The DMG file name will match the humanized local directory name + dash + application version (e.g. `Math Bowling-1.0.dmg` for `~/code/MathBowling` with version 1.0 or unspecified)
The `glimmer package` command will automatically set "mac.CFBundleIdentifier" to ="org.#{project_name}.application.#{project_name}".
You may override by configuring as an extra argument for javapackger (e.g. Glimmer::RakeTask::Package.javapackager_extra_args = " -Bmac.CFBundleIdentifier=org.andymaleh.application.MathBowling")
### Packaging Defaults
Glimmer employs smart defaults in packaging.
The package application name (shows up in top menu bar on the Mac) will be a human form of the app root directory name (e.g. "Math Bowling" for "MathBowling" or "math_bowling" app root directory name). However, application name and version may be specified explicitly via "-Bmac.CFBundleName" and "-Bmac.CFBundleVersion" options.
Also, the package will only include these directories: app, config, db, lib, script, bin, docs, fonts, images, sounds, videos
After running once, you will find a `config/warble.rb` file. It has the JAR packaging configuration. You may adjust included directories in it if needed, and then rerun `glimmer package` and it will pick up your custom configuration. Alternatively, if you'd like to customize the included directories to begin with, don't run `glimmer package` right away. Run this command first:
```
glimmer package:config
```
This will generate `config/warble.rb`, which you may configure and then run `glimmer package` afterwards.
### Packaging Configuration
- Ensure you have a Ruby script under `bin` directory that launches the application, preferably matching your project directory name (e.g. `bin/math_bowling`) :
```ruby
require_relative '../app/my_application.rb'
```
- Include Icon (Optional): If you'd like to include an icon for your app (.icns format on the Mac), place it under `package/macosx` matching the humanized application local directory name (e.g. 'Math Bowling.icns' [containing space] for MathBowling or math_bowling). You may generate your Mac icon easily using tools like Image2Icon (http://www.img2icnsapp.com/) or manually using the Mac terminal command `iconutil` (iconutil guide: https://applehelpwriter.com/tag/iconutil/)
- Include DMG Background Icon (Optional): Simply place a .png file under `package/macosx/{HumanAppName}-background.png`
- Include Version (Optional): Create a `VERSION` file in your application and fill it your app version on one line (e.g. `1.1.0`)
- Include License (Optional): Create a `LICENSE.txt` file in your application and fill it up with your license (e.g. MIT). It will show up to people when installing your app. Note that, you may optionally also specify license type, but you'd have to do so manually via `-BlicenseType=MIT` shown in an [example below](#javapackager-extra-arguments).
- Extra args (Optional): You may optionally add the following to `Rakefile` to configure extra arguments for javapackager: `Glimmer::RakeTask::Package.javapackager_extra_args = "..."` (Useful to avoid re-entering extra arguments on every run of rake task.). Read about them in [their section below](#javapackager-extra-arguments).
### javapackager Extra Arguments
(note: currently `Glimmer::RakeTask::Package.javapackager_extra_args` is only honored when packaging from bash, not zsh)
In order to explicitly configure javapackager, Mac package attributes, or sign your Mac app to distribute on the App Store, you can follow more advanced instructions for `javapackager` here:
- https://docs.oracle.com/javase/9/tools/javapackager.htm#JSWOR719
- https://docs.oracle.com/javase/8/docs/technotes/tools/unix/javapackager.html
- https://docs.oracle.com/javase/8/docs/technotes/guides/deploy/self-contained-packaging.html#BCGICFDB
- https://docs.oracle.com/javase/8/docs/technotes/guides/deploy/self-contained-packaging.html
- https://developer.apple.com/library/archive/releasenotes/General/SubmittingToMacAppStore/index.html#//apple_ref/doc/uid/TP40010572-CH16-SW8
The Glimmer rake task allows passing extra options to javapackager via:
- `Glimmer::RakeTask::Package.javapackager_extra_args="..."` in your application Rakefile
- Environment variable: `JAVAPACKAGER_EXTRA_ARGS`
Example (Rakefile):
```ruby
require 'glimmer/rake_task'
Glimmer::RakeTask::Package.javapackager_extra_args = '-BlicenseType="MIT" -Bmac.category="public.app-category.business" -Bmac.signing-key-developer-id-app="Andy Maleh"'
```
Note that `mac.category` defaults to "public.app-category.business", but can be overridden with one of the category UTI values mentioned here:
https://developer.apple.com/library/archive/releasenotes/General/SubmittingToMacAppStore/index.html#//apple_ref/doc/uid/TP40010572-CH16-SW8
Example (env var):
```
JAVAPACKAGER_EXTRA_ARGS='-Bmac.CFBundleName="Math Bowling Game"' glimmer package
```
That overrides the default application display name.
### Verbose Mode
Pass `-v` to javapackager in `Glimmer::RakeTask::Package.javapackager_extra_args` or by running `glimmer package:native[type] -v` to learn more about further available customizations for the installer you are requesting to generate.
### Windows Application Packaging
Windows s two options for setup packaging:
- `msi` (recommended): simpler packaging option. Requires [WiX Toolset](https://wixtoolset.org/) and [.NET Framework](https://dotnet.microsoft.com/download/dotnet-framework). Simply run `glimmer package[msi]` (or `glimmer package:native[msi]` if it's not your first time) and it will give you more details on the pre-requisites you need to install (e.g. [WiX Toolset](https://wixtoolset.org/) and [.NET Framework 3.5 SP1](https://dotnet.microsoft.com/download/dotnet-framework/net35-sp1)).
- `exe`: more advanced packaging option. Requires [Inno Setup](https://jrsoftware.org/isinfo.php). Simply run `glimmer package[exe]` (or `glimmer package:native[exe]` if it's not your first time) and it will tell you what you need to install.
If you just want to test out packaging into a native Windows app that is not packaged for Windows setup, just pass `image` to generate a native Windows app only.
### Mac Application Distribution
Recent macOS versions (starting with Catalina) have very stringent security requirements requiring all applications to be signed before running (unless the user goes to System Preferences -> Privacy -> General tab and clicks "Open Anyway" after failing to open application the first time they run it). So, to release a desktop application on the Mac, it is recommended to enroll in the [Apple Developer Program](https://developer.apple.com/programs/) to distribute on the [Mac App Store](https://developer.apple.com/distribute/) or otherwise request [app notarization from Apple](https://developer.apple.com/documentation/xcode/notarizing_macos_software_before_distribution) to distribute independently.
Afterwards, you may add developer-id/signing-key arguments to `javapackager` via `Glimmer::RakeTask::Package.javapackager_extra_args` or `JAVAPACKAGER_EXTRA_ARGS` according to this webpage: https://docs.oracle.com/javase/9/tools/javapackager.htm#JSWOR719
DMG signing key argument:
```
-Bmac.signing-key-developer-id-app="..."
```
PKG signing key argument:
```
-Bmac.signing-key-developer-id-installer="..."
```
Mac App Store signing key arguments:
```
-Bmac.signing-key-app="..."
-Bmac.signing-key-pkg="..."
```
### Self Signed Certificate
You may still release a signed DMG file without enrolling into the Apple Developer Program with the caveat that users will always fail in opening the app the first time, and have to go to System Preferences -> Privacy -> General tab to "Open Anyway".
To do so, you may follow these steps (abbreviated version from https://developer.apple.com/library/archive/documentation/Security/Conceptual/CodeSigningGuide/Procedures/Procedures.html#//apple_ref/doc/uid/TP40005929-CH4-SW2):
- Open Keychain Access
- Choose Keychain Access > Certificate Assistant > Create Certificate ...
- Enter Name (referred to below as "CertificateName")
- Set 'Certificate Type' to 'Code Signing'
- Create (if you alternatively override defaults, make sure to enable all capabilities)
- Add the following option to javapackager: `-Bmac.signing-key-developer-id-app="CertificateName"` via `Glimmer::RakeTask::Package.javapackager_extra_args` or `JAVAPACKAGER_EXTRA_ARGS`
Example:
```ruby
Glimmer::RakeTask::Package.javapackager_extra_args = '-Bmac.signing-key-developer-id-app="Andy Maleh"'
```
Now, when you run `glimmer package`, it builds a self-signed DMG file. When you make available online, and users download, upon launching application, they are presented with your certificate, which they have to sign if they trust you in order to use the application.
### Gotchas
1. Specifying License File
The javapackager documentation states that a license file may be specified with "-BlicenseFile" javapackager option. However, in order for that to work, one must specify as a source file via "-srcfiles" javapackager option.
Keep that in mind if you are not going to rely on the default `LICENSE.txt` support.
Example:
```ruby
Glimmer::RakeTask::Package.javapackager_extra_args = '-srcfiles "ACME.txt" -BlicenseFile="ACME.txt" -BlicenseType="ACME"'
```
2. Mounted DMG Residue
If you run `glimmer package` multiple times, sometimes it leaves a mounted DMG project in your finder. Unmount before you run the command again or it might fail with an error saying: "Error: Bundler "DMG Installer" (dmg) failed to produce a bundle."
By the way, keep in mind that during normal operation, it does also indicate a false-negative while completing successfully similar to the following (please ignore):
```
Exec failed with code 2 command [[/usr/bin/SetFile, -c, icnC, /var/folders/4_/g1sw__tx6mjdgyh3mky7vydc0000gp/T/fxbundler4076750801763032201/images/MathBowling/.VolumeIcon.icns] in unspecified directory
```
3. Zsh (Z Shell)
Currently, `Glimmer::RakeTask::Package.javapackager_extra_args` is only honored when packaging from bash, not zsh.
You can get around that in zsh by running glimmer package commands with `bash -c` prefix:
```
bash -c 'glimmer package'
```
## App Updates
Glimmer already supports automatic (and manual) app updates via the Mac App Store for Mac apps. Simply run the `glimmer package` command with the Mac App Store keys configured as per [Mac Application Distribution](mac-application-distribution) instructions and you get automatic (and manual) app update support courtesy of the Mac App Store.
## Glimmer Supporting Libraries
Here is a list of notable 3rd party gems used by Glimmer:
- [juwelier](https://rubygems.org/gems/juwelier): generates app gems during [Glimmer Scaffolding](#scaffolding)
- [logging](https://github.com/TwP/logging): provides extra logging capabilities not available in Ruby Logger such as multi-threaded buffered asynchronous logging (to avoid affecting app performance) and support for multiple appenders such as stdout, syslog, and log files (the last one is needed on Windows where syslog is not supported)
- [nested_inherited_jruby_include_package](https://github.com/AndyObtiva/nested_inherited_jruby_include_package): makes included [SWT](https://www.eclipse.org/swt/)/[Java](https://www.java.com/en/) packages available to all classes/modules that mix in the Glimmer module without having to manually reimport
- [os](https://github.com/rdp/os): provides OS detection capabilities (e.g. `OS.mac?` or `OS.windows?`) to write cross-platform code inexpensively
- [puts_debuggerer](https://github.com/AndyObtiva/puts_debuggerer): helps in troubleshooting when adding `require 'pd'` and using the `pd` command instead of `puts` or `p` (also `#pd_inspect` or `#pdi` instead of `#inspect`)
- [rake](https://github.com/ruby/rake): used to implement and execute `glimmer` commands
- [rake-tui](https://github.com/AndyObtiva/rake-tui): Rake Text-based User Interface. Allows navigating rake tasks with arrow keys and filtering task list by typing to quickly find an run a rake task.
- [rouge](https://github.com/rouge-ruby/rouge): Ruby syntax highlighter used in the `code_text` [Glimmer DSL for SWT custom widget](#custom-widgets) leveraged by the [Glimmer Meta-Sample](#samples)
- [super_module](https://github.com/AndyObtiva/super_module): used to cleanly write the Glimmer::UI:CustomWidget and Glimmer::UI::CustomShell modules
- [text-table](https://github.com/aptinio/text-table): renders textual data in a textual table for the command-line interface of Glimmer
- [warbler](https://github.com/jruby/warbler): converts a Glimmer app into a Java JAR file during packaging
## Glimmer Process
[Glimmer Process](https://github.com/AndyObtiva/glimmer/blob/master/PROCESS.md) is the lightweight software development process used for building Glimmer libraries and Glimmer apps, which goes beyond Agile, rendering all Agile processes obsolete. [Glimmer Process](https://github.com/AndyObtiva/glimmer/blob/master/PROCESS.md) is simply made up of 7 guidelines to pick and choose as necessary until software development needs are satisfied.
Learn more by reading the [GPG](https://github.com/AndyObtiva/glimmer/blob/master/PROCESS.md) (Glimmer Process Guidelines)
## Resources
* [Code Master Blog](http://andymaleh.blogspot.com/search/label/Glimmer)
* [JRuby Cookbook by Justin Edelson & Henry Liu](http://shop.oreilly.com/product/9780596519650.do)
* [InfoQ Article](http://www.infoq.com/news/2008/02/glimmer-jruby-swt)
* [DZone Tutorial](https://dzone.com/articles/an-introduction-glimmer)
* [MountainWest RubyConf 2011 Video](https://confreaks.tv/videos/mwrc2011-whatever-happened-to-desktop-development-in-ruby)
* [RubyConf 2008 Video](https://confreaks.tv/videos/rubyconf2008-desktop-development-with-glimmer)
## Help
### Issues
You may submit [issues](https://github.com/AndyObtiva/glimmer-dsl-swt/issues) on [GitHub](https://github.com/AndyObtiva/glimmer-dsl-swt/issues).
[Click here to submit an issue.](https://github.com/AndyObtiva/glimmer-dsl-swt/issues)
### Chat
If you need live help, try to [](https://gitter.im/AndyObtiva/glimmer?utm_source=badge&utm_medium=badge&utm_campaign=pr-badge&utm_content=badge)
## Feature Suggestions
These features have been suggested. You might see them in a future version of Glimmer. You are welcome to contribute more feature suggestions.
[TODO.md](TODO.md)
Glimmer DSL Engine specific tasks are at:
[glimmer/TODO.md](https://github.com/AndyObtiva/glimmer/blob/master/TODO.md)
## Change Log
[CHANGELOG.md](CHANGELOG.md)
Also: [glimmer/CHANGELOG.md](https://github.com/AndyObtiva/glimmer/blob/master/CHANGELOG.md)
## Contributing
**Contributors Wanted!**
If you would like to contribute to Glimmer, please study up on Glimmer and [SWT](#swt-reference), run all Glimmer [samples](#samples), and build a small sample app (perhaps from [this TODO list](https://github.com/AndyObtiva/glimmer-dsl-swt/blob/master/TODO.md#samples)) to add to [glimmer-dsl-swt](https://github.com/AndyObtiva/glimmer-dsl-swt) Hello or Elaborate samples via a Pull Request. Once done, contact me on [Chat](#chat).
You may apply for contributing to any of these Glimmer DSL gems whether you prefer to focus on the desktop or web:
- [glimmer-dsl-swt](https://github.com/AndyObtiva/glimmer-dsl-swt): Glimmer DSL for SWT (Desktop GUI)
- [glimmer-dsl-opal](https://github.com/AndyObtiva/glimmer-dsl-opal): Glimmer DSL for Opal (Web GUI Adapter for Desktop Apps)
- [glimmer-dsl-xml](https://github.com/AndyObtiva/glimmer-dsl-xml): Glimmer DSL for XML (& HTML)
- [glimmer-dsl-css](https://github.com/AndyObtiva/glimmer-dsl-css): Glimmer DSL for CSS (Cascading Style Sheets)
[CONTRIBUTING.md](CONTRIBUTING.md)
## Contributors
* [Andy Maleh](https://github.com/AndyObtiva) (Founder)
* [Dennis Theisen](https://github.com/Soleone) (Contributor, originally in [Glimmer](https://github.com/AndyObtiva/glimmer/graphs/contributors) before splitting glimmer-dsl-swt)
[Click here to view contributor commits.](https://github.com/AndyObtiva/glimmer-dsl-swt/graphs/contributors)
## Hire Me
If your company would like to invest fulltime in further development of the Glimmer open-source project, [hire me](https://www.linkedin.com/in/andymaleh/).
## License
[MIT](LICENSE.txt)
Copyright (c) 2007-2021 - Andy Maleh.
--
[](https://github.com/AndyObtiva/glimmer) Built for [Glimmer](https://github.com/AndyObtiva/glimmer) (DSL Framework).