Selection (user interface)
Encyclopedia
In computing
and user interface engineering, a selection is a list of items on which user operations will take place. The user typically adds items to the list manually, although the computer
may create a selection automatically. A precision pointing device
(mouse
or touchpad
and cursor
, stylus
) or by hand on a touchscreen
device is used to enact a selection. The simultaneous selection of a group of items is called a multiple selection.
Context menu
s will usually include actions related to the objects included in the current selection - the selection provides the "context" for the menu.
Simultaneous editing is a technique in End-user development research to edit all items in a multiple selection. It allows the user to manipulate all the selected items at once through direct manipulation. The Lapis text editor
and the multi edit plugin for gedit
are examples of this technique. The Lapis editor can also create an automatic multiple selection based on an example item.
The term simultaneous editing is also used to describe collaborative editing
in collaborative real-time editors.
Computing
Computing is usually defined as the activity of using and improving computer hardware and software. It is the computer-specific part of information technology...
and user interface engineering, a selection is a list of items on which user operations will take place. The user typically adds items to the list manually, although the computer
Computer
A computer is a programmable machine designed to sequentially and automatically carry out a sequence of arithmetic or logical operations. The particular sequence of operations can be changed readily, allowing the computer to solve more than one kind of problem...
may create a selection automatically. A precision pointing device
Pointing device
A pointing device is an input interface that allows a user to input spatial data to a computer...
(mouse
Mouse (computing)
In computing, a mouse is a pointing device that functions by detecting two-dimensional motion relative to its supporting surface. Physically, a mouse consists of an object held under one of the user's hands, with one or more buttons...
or touchpad
Touchpad
A touchpad is a pointing device featuring a tactile sensor, a specialized surface that can translate the motion and position of a user's fingers to a relative position on screen. Touch pads are a common feature of laptop computers, and they are also used as a substitute for a mouse where desk...
and cursor
Cursor (computers)
In computing, a cursor is an indicator used to show the position on a computer monitor or other display device that will respond to input from a text input or pointing device. The flashing text cursor may be referred to as a caret in some cases...
, stylus
Stylus (computing)
In computing, a stylus is a small pen-shaped instrument that is used to input commands to a computer screen, mobile device or graphics tablet...
) or by hand on a touchscreen
Touchscreen
A touchscreen is an electronic visual display that can detect the presence and location of a touch within the display area. The term generally refers to touching the display of the device with a finger or hand. Touchscreens can also sense other passive objects, such as a stylus...
device is used to enact a selection. The simultaneous selection of a group of items is called a multiple selection.
- Text selection is associated with the cut, copy and paste operations and done with a cursor, caret navigationCaret navigationIn computing, caret navigation is a kind of keyboard navigation where a caret is used to navigate within a text document...
or touchTouchscreenA touchscreen is an electronic visual display that can detect the presence and location of a touch within the display area. The term generally refers to touching the display of the device with a finger or hand. Touchscreens can also sense other passive objects, such as a stylus...
. - Image editingImage editingImage editing encompasses the processes of altering images, whether they be digital photographs, traditional analog photographs, or illustrations. Traditional analog image editing is known as photo retouching, using tools such as an airbrush to modify photographs, or editing illustrations with any...
applications can feature specialized graphical tools for the selection and modification of areas and shapes or to interact with colours, such as the magic wand selection tool, the lasso selection tool or the color picker. - Video editingVideo editingThe term video editing can refer to:* Linear video editing, using video tape* Non-linear editing system , using computers with video editing software* Offline editing* Online editing...
programs may utilise dynamic controls and advanced digital effectsVisual effectsVisual effects are the various processes by which imagery is created and/or manipulated outside the context of a live action shoot. Visual effects involve the integration of live-action footage and generated imagery to create environments which look realistic, but would be dangerous, costly, or...
on the selected region. - Files and other interface components can be selected and used with the advent of GUIGuiGui or guee is a generic term to refer to grilled dishes in Korean cuisine. These most commonly have meat or fish as their primary ingredient, but may in some cases also comprise grilled vegetables or other vegetarian ingredients. The term derives from the verb, "gupda" in Korean, which literally...
s.
Context menu
Context menu
A context menu is a menu in a graphical user interface that appears upon user interaction, such as a right mouse click or middle click mouse operation...
s will usually include actions related to the objects included in the current selection - the selection provides the "context" for the menu.
Simultaneous editing is a technique in End-user development research to edit all items in a multiple selection. It allows the user to manipulate all the selected items at once through direct manipulation. The Lapis text editor
Lapis (text editor)
Lapis is an experimental text editor allowing multiple simultaneous edits of text in a multiple selection.Lapis is an instance of Programming by example...
and the multi edit plugin for gedit
Gedit
gedit is a text editor for the GNOME desktop environment, Mac OS X and Microsoft Windows. Designed as a general purpose text editor, gedit emphasizes simplicity and ease of use...
are examples of this technique. The Lapis editor can also create an automatic multiple selection based on an example item.
The term simultaneous editing is also used to describe collaborative editing
Collaborative editing
Collaborative editing is the practice of groups producing works together through individual contributions. Effective choices in group awareness, participation, and coordination are critical to successful collaborative writing outcomes. Most usually it is applied to textual documents or...
in collaborative real-time editors.