TweetFollow Us on Twitter

Expanded Lists
Volume Number:9
Issue Number:8
Column Tag:C Workshop

Related Info: List Manager

Expanding the List Manager

Adding graphics to lists with Custom LDEFs

By Mark W. Batten, Washington, DC

Note: Source code files accompanying article are located on MacTech CD-ROM or source code disks.

The List Manager is not especially well-named. The term “list” suggests one column of text, as in a shopping list or an address list. In fact, the List Manager is much more flexible: it can maintain information in rows and columns, as in a spreadsheet, and can manage data of any kind, including graphics.

The purpose of this article is to demonstrate two simple list definition procedures, or LDEFs, that extend the List Manager’s text-only list to include graphics. First, we’ll create a list of icons with text underneath, sort of like those that appear in Finder windows. Second, we’ll develop a list that puts a small icon next to each entry, the way the standard Open and Save dialog boxes do.

Setting up the application for our LDEFs

When using a custom LDEF, the List Manager leaves the drawing of each cell -- and the interpretation of the data in the cell -- entirely up to you. So to create a list that has both text and graphics in a list, all you have to do is put the graphics data and text in each cell. The LDEF will then interpret the data when it draws the cell. In our example, we just have the application stuff the icon data into the cell, followed by the text (a Pascal string), using List Manager routines:

/* 1 */

 LSetCell(IconPtr,128,theCell,LH);
 LAddToCell(IconName,(int)IconName[0]+1,theCell,LH);

Example 1: The Icon List

The List Manager sends four different kinds of messages to LDEFs: “initialize,” “draw,” “highlight,” and “close.” The initialize and close routines are rarely needed unless your LDEF needs to allocate its own memory for storage; we’ll focus here on the draw and highlight routines to show how they interpret the icon and text data.

Our first example is a list of icons with text underneath. Such a list has lots of uses: showing the user the files in an individual directory, or in an archive file; asking the user to choose from among a list of options; or any time you want to present a list of items in a graphically appealing way. Let’s examine the DoDraw routine in detail.

/* 2 */

doDraw(select,r,offset,LH)
Boolean select;
Rect *r;
int offset;
ListHandle LH;
{

The List Manager sends an LDrawMsg for each cell in the list, so the DoDraw routine’s task is to draw one cell. The cell to draw is passed to the LDEF in two parameters: the Rect r is the rectangle in which to draw the cell, and offset holds the offset into the list’s cell data where the information for this cell begins.

The routine begins with a number of cosmetic effects: it fills the cell with a gray pattern, and then draws a border around the icon. These obviously aren’t essential, but are included here because they help the icon stand out against the background and to give it a three-dimensional appearance:

/* 3 */

 FillRect(r,grey);
 r->top+=(r->bottom-r->top-32)/2;
 r.left+=(r->right-r->left-32)/2;
 r->bottom=r->top+32;
 r->right=r->left+32;
 InsetRect(r,-4,-4); 
 r1=*r;
 FillRect(r,wite); 
 FrameRect(r); 
 InsetRect(r,3,3);
 FrameRect(r); 
 InsetRect(r,1,1); 
 PenPat(dark);
 for(i=1;i<3;i++){
 MoveTo(r->left-(i+1),r->bottom+i);
 LineTo(r->right+i,r->bottom+i);
 MoveTo(r->right+i,r->top-(i+1));
 LineTo(r->right+i,r->bottom+i); 
 }
 PenNormal();

Now we draw the icon. To do so, we have to set up a BitMap that we can pass to CopyBits. Because each cell begins with icon data (which the application put there, remember?), the BitMap’s baseAddr should point to the beginning of the cell’s data. The other BitMap fields are easy, since they’re determined by the size of an icon:

/* 4 */

 HLock((**LH).cells); 
 icon.baseAddr=(char *)(*(**LH).cells)+offset;
 SetRect(&icon.bounds,0,0,32,32);
 icon.rowBytes=4;

Now we’re ready to draw the icon and move on to the text, which the application stored in the cell right after the 128 bytes of icon data. Note that the destination BitMap is supplied by the ListRec, which maintains a GrafPtr for the port the list appears in:

/* 5 */

 src=icon.bounds;
 CopyBits(&icon,&((**LH).port->portBits),&src,r,0,0L); 
 offset+=128;

Now we’re ready to draw the text under the icon. First, let’s copy the text out of the cell data into a local string variable:

/* 6 */

 q=(char *)(*(**LH).cells)+offset; 
 s=p;
 len=*s++=*q++;
 while(--len>=0)*s++=*q++; 
 HUnlock((**LH).cells);

Now we want to center the text in the cell. If the text is too long, though, we don’t want it to run off the edges, so we curtail the string and add a “ ” character to the end. In this example, the LDEF limits text to a maximum of five characters. We also need to erase the text’s rectangle before drawing it, because the text won’t be readable if we just draw the string over the gray pattern we painted into the cell:

/* 7 */

 if(*p>5){ 
 p[5]=0xC9; /* ' ' */
 *p=5;
 }
 c=(r->left+16)-(StringWidth(p)/2);
 GetFontInfo(&inf); 
 i=r->bottom+inf.ascent+inf.descent+inf.leading;
 SetRect(&r1,c,r->bottom+4,c+StringWidth(p),i);
 EraseRect(&r1);
 MoveTo(c,i); 
 DrawString(p);

That’s all there is to it; the final lines just invert the icon if the cell is supposed to be highlighted, first clearing the high bit of the global variable HiliteMode to ensure that the highlighting will use the highlight color on color machines:

/* 8 */

 if(select){
 HiliteMode&=127;
 InvertRect(r);
 }

Example 2: Open and Save Lists

Our second example is the kind of list seen in the Mac’s Open and Save dialog boxes: a list of text items with a small icon (“SICN”) to the left of each entry. This type of list could be handled in much the same way as Example 1, but let’s experiment with a slightly different technique that uses a little less memory.

For our example, we indicate a file’s type with one of three SICNs: a generic application icon for applications, a folder icon for folders, and a generic document icon for all others. With so few icons, there’s no need to store the actual data in each individual cell. Instead, as part of the setup, we have the application read in the appropriate SICN resource and store it in the ListHandle’s userHandle field:

/* 9 */

 SmIcons=Get1Resource('SICN',128); 
 (**(LH)).userHandle=SmIcons;

Then, in storing data in the cells, the application puts in the text, followed by one byte that indicates which SICN in the list to use:

/* 10 */

 PBGetCatInfo(&theParamBlk,false); /* get a file's info */
 LDoDraw(false,LH);
 b=(**(LH)).dataBounds.bottom;
 theCell.v=LAddRow(1,++b,LH); 
 theCell.h=0; 
 if((theParamBlk.ioFlAttrib & 16)!=0)theType=0;
 else{
 if(theParamBlk.ioFlFndrInfo.fdType=='APPL')theType=2; 
 else theType=1;
 }
 LSetCell(n,(int)(*n+1),theCell,LH);
 LAddToCell(&theType,1,theCell,LH);
 LDoDraw(true,LH);

Now let’s look at the Example 2 LDEF’s DoDraw routine to see how to interpret this data. Here we begin by erasing the cell, which is more appropriate for this list than the gray pattern we used in Example 1. Then we set up the destination rectangle to the left edge of the cell, and set up the bounds and rowBytes of the source BitMap:

/* 11 */

 dst=*r; 
 dst.right=dst.left+16;
 SetRect(&icon.bounds,0,0,16,16); 
 icon.rowBytes=2;

To set up the baseAddr field, we first retrieve the byte that we stored at the end of the text. Because there are 32 bytes in each small icon, we multiply the flag byte by 32 to get the proper position in the small icon list, stored in the userHandle. A call to CopyBits completes the drawing:

/* 12 */

 HLock((**LH).cells);
 s=q=(char *)*(**LH).cells;
 q+=off; 
 s+=off;
 q+=(*q+1); 
 icnoff=*q<<5;
 HLock((**LH).userHandle);
 icon.baseAddr=(*(**LH).userHandle)+icnoff;
 CopyBits(&icon,&((**LH).port->portBits),&(icon.bounds), &dst,0,0L);
 HUnlock((**LH).userHandle);

Drawing the text is then similar to Example 1, except that we move the pen to the 
right of the small icon and center it in the cell:

/* 13 */

 GetFontInfo(&inf); 
 len=inf.ascent+inf.descent+inf.leading;
 MoveTo(dst.right+2,(r->bottom+r->top+len)/2-inf.descent);
 DrawString(s);
 HUnlock((**LH).cells);
 if(select)InvertRect(r);

This example uses black-and-white icons, but color icons could be handled the same way; just use a PixMap instead of a BitMap.

Example 1 Source Code
#include "SetUpA4.h"
Pattern grey={ 170,85,170,85,170,85,170,85 },
 wite={ 0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0 },
 dark={ 119,238,221,187,119,238,221,187 };

pascal void main(message,select,r,theCell,offset,len,LH)
int message,offset,len;
ListHandle LH;
Cell theCell;
Boolean select;
Rect *r;
{
 int l;

 RememberA0();
 SetUpA4();
 switch(message){
 case 0: break;
 case 1: 
 case 2: doDraw(select,r,offset,LH); break;
 case 3: break;
 }
 RestoreA4();
}

doDraw(select,r,offset,LH)
Boolean select;
Rect *r;
int offset;
ListHandle LH;
{
 BitMap icon; 
 Rect src,r1; 
 char p[32],*q,*s,c; 
 register int len,i;
 FontInfo inf;
 
 FillRect(r,grey);
 r->top+=(r->bottom-r->top-32)/2;
 r->left+=(r->right-r->left-32)/2;
 r->bottom=r->top+32;
 r->right=r->left+32;
 InsetRect(r,-4,-4); 
 r1=*r;
 FillRect(r,wite); 
 FrameRect(r); 
 InsetRect(r,3,3);
 FrameRect(r); 
 InsetRect(r,1,1); 
 PenPat(dark);
 for(i=1;i<3;i++){
 MoveTo(r->left-(i+1),r->bottom+i);
 LineTo(r->right+i,r->bottom+i);
 MoveTo(r->right+i,r->top-(i+1));
 LineTo(r->right+i,r->bottom+i); 
 }
 PenNormal();

 HLock((**LH).cells);
 icon.baseAddr=(char *)(*(**LH).cells)+offset;
 SetRect(&icon.bounds,0,0,32,32); 
 icon.rowBytes=4;
 src=icon.bounds;
 CopyBits(&icon,&((**LH).port->portBits),&src,r,0,0L);
 offset+=128;
 
 q=(char *)(*(**LH).cells)+offset; 
 s=p;
 len=*s++=*q++;
 while(--len>=0)*s++=*q++; 
 HUnlock((**LH).cells);
 
 if(*p>5){ 
 p[5]=0xC9; 
 *p=5;
 }
 c=(r->left+16)-(StringWidth(p)/2);
 GetFontInfo(&inf); 
 MoveTo(c,r->bottom+inf.ascent+inf.descent+inf.leading); 
 DrawString(p); 
 if(select){
 HiliteMode&=127;
 InvertRect(r);
 }
}

Example 2 Source Code

#include "SetUpA4.h"
Pattern grey={ 170,85,170,85,170,85,170,85 };

pascal void main(message,select,r,theCell,offset,len,LH)
int message,offset,len;
ListHandle LH;
Cell theCell;
Boolean select;
Rect *r;
{
 /* This routine is the same as in Example 1 */
}

doDraw(select,r,offset,LH)
Boolean select;
Rect *r;
int offset;
ListHandle LH;
{
 BitMap icon; 
 Rect dst; 
 char *q,*s,icnoff; 
 int len;
 FontInfo inf;
 
 EraseRect(r); 
 dst=*r; 
 dst.right=dst.left+16;
 SetRect(&icon.bounds,0,0,16,16); 
 icon.rowBytes=2;
 HLock((**LH).cells);
 s=q=(char *)*(**LH).cells;
 q+=off; 
 s+=off;
 q+=(*q+1); 
 icnoff=*q<<5;
 HLock((**LH).userHandle);
 icon.baseAddr=(*(**LH).userHandle)+icnoff;
 CopyBits(&icon,&((**LH).port->portBits),&(icon.bounds),
 &dst,0,0L);
 HUnlock((**LH).userHandle);
 
 GetFontInfo(&inf); 
 len=inf.ascent+inf.descent+inf.leading;
 MoveTo(dst.right+2,(r->bottom+r->top+len)/2-inf.descent);
 DrawString(s);
 HUnlock((**LH).cells);
 if(select){
 HiliteMode&=127;
 InvertRect(r);
 }
}

 

Community Search:
MacTech Search:

Software Updates via MacUpdate

Latest Forum Discussions

See All

Challenge those pesky wyverns to a dance...
After recently having you do battle against your foes by wildly flailing Hello Kitty and friends at them, GungHo Online has whipped out another surprising collaboration for Puzzle & Dragons. It is now time to beat your opponents by cha-cha... | Read more »
Pack a magnifying glass and practice you...
Somehow it has already been a year since Torchlight: Infinite launched, and XD Games is celebrating by blending in what sounds like a truly fantastic new update. Fans of Cthulhu rejoice, as Whispering Mist brings some horror elements, and tests... | Read more »
Summon your guild and prepare for war in...
Netmarble is making some pretty big moves with their latest update for Seven Knights Idle Adventure, with a bunch of interesting additions. Two new heroes enter the battle, there are events and bosses abound, and perhaps most interesting, a huge... | Read more »
Make the passage of time your plaything...
While some of us are still waiting for a chance to get our hands on Ash Prime - yes, don’t remind me I could currently buy him this month I’m barely hanging on - Digital Extremes has announced its next anticipated Prime Form for Warframe. Starting... | Read more »
If you can find it and fit through the d...
The holy trinity of amazing company names have come together, to release their equally amazing and adorable mobile game, Hamster Inn. Published by HyperBeard Games, and co-developed by Mum Not Proud and Little Sasquatch Studios, it's time to... | Read more »
Amikin Survival opens for pre-orders on...
Join me on the wonderful trip down the inspiration rabbit hole; much as Palworld seemingly “borrowed” many aspects from the hit Pokemon franchise, it is time for the heavily armed animal survival to also spawn some illegitimate children as Helio... | Read more »
PUBG Mobile teams up with global phenome...
Since launching in 2019, SpyxFamily has exploded to damn near catastrophic popularity, so it was only a matter of time before a mobile game snapped up a collaboration. Enter PUBG Mobile. Until May 12th, players will be able to collect a host of... | Read more »
Embark into the frozen tundra of certain...
Chucklefish, developers of hit action-adventure sandbox game Starbound and owner of one of the cutest logos in gaming, has released their roguelike deck-builder Wildfrost. Created alongside developers Gaziter and Deadpan Games, Wildfrost will... | Read more »
MoreFun Studios has announced Season 4,...
Tension has escalated in the ever-volatile world of Arena Breakout, as your old pal Randall Fisher and bosses Fred and Perrero continue to lob insults and explosives at each other, bringing us to a new phase of warfare. Season 4, Into The Fog of... | Read more »
Top Mobile Game Discounts
Every day, we pick out a curated list of the best mobile discounts on the App Store and post them here. This list won't be comprehensive, but it every game on it is recommended. Feel free to check out the coverage we did on them in the links below... | Read more »

Price Scanner via MacPrices.net

Free iPhone 15 plus Unlimited service for $60...
Boost Infinite, part of MVNO Boost Mobile using AT&T and T-Mobile’s networks, is offering a free 128GB iPhone 15 for $60 per month including their Unlimited service plan (30GB of premium data).... Read more
$300 off any new iPhone with service at Red P...
Red Pocket Mobile has new Apple iPhones on sale for $300 off MSRP when you switch and open up a new line of service. Red Pocket Mobile is a nationwide MVNO using all the major wireless carrier... Read more
Clearance 13-inch M1 MacBook Airs available a...
Apple has clearance 13″ M1 MacBook Airs, Certified Refurbished, available for $759 for 8-Core CPU/7-Core GPU/256GB models and $929 for 8-Core CPU/8-Core GPU/512GB models. Apple’s one-year warranty is... Read more
Updated Apple MacBook Price Trackers
Our Apple award-winning MacBook Price Trackers are continually updated with the latest information on prices, bundles, and availability for 16″ and 14″ MacBook Pros along with 13″ and 15″ MacBook... Read more
Every model of Apple’s 13-inch M3 MacBook Air...
Best Buy has Apple 13″ MacBook Airs with M3 CPUs in stock and on sale today for $100 off MSRP. Prices start at $999. Their prices are the lowest currently available for new 13″ M3 MacBook Airs among... Read more
Sunday Sale: Apple iPad Magic Keyboards for 1...
Walmart has Apple Magic Keyboards for 12.9″ iPad Pros, in Black, on sale for $150 off MSRP on their online store. Sale price for online orders only, in-store price may vary. Order online and choose... Read more
Apple Watch Ultra 2 now available at Apple fo...
Apple has, for the first time, begun offering Certified Refurbished Apple Watch Ultra 2 models in their online store for $679, or $120 off MSRP. Each Watch includes Apple’s standard one-year warranty... Read more
AT&T has the iPhone 14 on sale for only $...
AT&T has the 128GB Apple iPhone 14 available for only $5.99 per month for new and existing customers when you activate unlimited service and use AT&T’s 36 month installment plan. The fine... Read more
Amazon is offering a $100 discount on every M...
Amazon is offering a $100 instant discount on each configuration of Apple’s new 13″ M3 MacBook Air, in Midnight, this weekend. These are the lowest prices currently available for new 13″ M3 MacBook... Read more
You can save $300-$480 on a 14-inch M3 Pro/Ma...
Apple has 14″ M3 Pro and M3 Max MacBook Pros in stock today and available, Certified Refurbished, starting at $1699 and ranging up to $480 off MSRP. Each model features a new outer case, shipping is... Read more

Jobs Board

*Apple* Systems Administrator - JAMF - Activ...
…**Public Trust/Other Required:** None **Job Family:** Systems Administration **Skills:** Apple Platforms,Computer Servers,Jamf Pro **Experience:** 3 + years of Read more
IT Systems Engineer ( *Apple* Platforms) - S...
IT Systems Engineer ( Apple Platforms) at SpaceX Hawthorne, CA SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is Read more
Nurse Anesthetist - *Apple* Hill Surgery Ce...
Nurse Anesthetist - Apple Hill Surgery Center Location: WellSpan Medical Group, York, PA Schedule: Full Time Sign-On Bonus Eligible Remote/Hybrid Regular Apply Now Read more
Housekeeper, *Apple* Valley Village - Cassi...
Apple Valley Village Health Care Center, a senior care campus, is hiring a Part-Time Housekeeper to join our team! We will train you for this position! In this role, Read more
Sublease Associate Optometrist- *Apple* Val...
Sublease Associate Optometrist- Apple Valley, CA- Target Optical Date: Apr 20, 2024 Brand: Target Optical Location: Apple Valley, CA, US, 92307 **Requisition Read more
All contents are Copyright 1984-2011 by Xplain Corporation. All rights reserved. Theme designed by Icreon.