SILK: an advanced user interface builder and application prototyper

This paper introduces the features of an advanced user interface builder and application prototyper called SILK. A very brief survey of existing user interface builders is presented, grouping them in categories that reflect their major characteristics. The global architecture of the system and the interoperability between the supported user interface standards are presented. SILK features are presented in detail with respect to the OPEN LOOK implementation. In addition, the significant aspects of SILK as an advanced user interface builder and application prototyping tool are: the unique way it incorporates application code (callback functions) with the user interface widgets, its ability to associate multiple types of callbacks to a widget, and its ability to specify the type of operations (such as user, widget actions, and system commands) to the underlying platform through a basically point and click paradigm. Therefore, SILK not only provides a way to build and prototype new applications in an easier way, but also facilitates the construction of user interfaces for existing applications.<>